Our View
In law, inequality remains
The repeal of same-sex marriage by voters at the polls Tuesday should not deter important efforts to instill equality under the law, but rather dictate its future course through the Legislature.
Some, in the heated aftermath of Question 1's approval, called the vote a statement of intolerance. It isn't — this interpretation would mean a majority of Mainers hold hatred in higher esteem than human rights, which is unfair and callous. That is not who we are.
We are instead a unique blend of people, rural and urban, secular and religious, who viewed Question 1 with opinions shaped by a varied blend of backgrounds and lifestyles. Fifty-three percent of us are not bigots, just as 47 percent of us are not foot-soldiers for the "homosexual agenda."
If it were that easy to slap labels on us, the professional pollsters wouldn't be so perplexed about our voting results, and our senators' political sentiments would be as predictable as the sunrise. Instead, Maine is a unique purplish state that defies categorization into the tired hues of "red" or "blue."
So, we should reject the aspersions being cast upon us about Question 1 and focus on what should happen next. In our opinion, the right path is for the Legislature to use Maine's existing domestic partner laws as the springboard for providing equal benefits to all couples and families.
When enacted in 2004, the domestic partner registry was hailed as a turning point for human rights. There's little reason it cannot be again, if considered the foundation for a broad expansion of the benefits now available to married couples to all couples of the same, or different, sexes.
What this campaign made crystal clear is that inequality under the law exists for same-sex couples; the result of Question 1 does nothing to change this sad fact. The repeal of same-sex marriage should not hinder further progress toward doing what is right and just — that is, treating all citizens equally under the law.
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I understand that the NO on
I understand that the NO on one supports must feel pretty emotional right now. But the fact is they are nothing special. They have all the rights as the rest of us. They can marry too! Just not to someone of the same sex. Same rules apply to me. I'm tired of special intrest groups trying to change things to suit just a small few. Enough is Enough. I have many friends in the Gay community. I tell them that I don't care what the do in their bed rooms but keep it there. Don't try to force it down peoples throats what they are doing is not only morally wrong but biologically wrong as well.
If anyone is being discriminated against right now it's the Yes on one supporters. The hatefull and bile things coming from the gay community aimed at the Religious community right now is disgusting. They are even threating peoples lives. If any one did that to them they would cry and cry until there was clasified as a hate crime.
Wake up people! Get your heads out of your butts!
"I have many friends in the
"I have many friends in the Gay community."
Ah, yes. Sounds a lot like 'I have friends who are black, I've got no problem
with THOSE people.' Just because you've deemed yourself kind because you've exchanged pleasantries with people who you clearly find inferior to you doesn't mean they're your friends, nor does it mean they're obligated to tolerate your intolerance.
"I have many friends in the
"I have many friends in the Gay community. I tell them that I don't care what the do in their bed rooms but keep it there."
As I'm sure they are not interested in what happens in your bedroom.
If I say I want to marry a
If I say I want to marry a goat, a rock, or multiple wives can I scream and pout and stomp my feet and say I'm not being treated equally too?
“Stupidity is better kept
“Stupidity is better kept a secret than displayed” - Heraclitus of Ephesus
I guess if your goat can
I guess if your goat can sign the paperwork...Oh yeah! Goats can't sign the paperwork!
Please find a legitimate argument, and stop being ridiculous.
As long as you stay in your
As long as you stay in your trailer after your meth binge - no will complain.
Any problem that can't be solved with taxcuts, republicans pretend doesn't exist.
Interesting you should
Interesting you should mention multiple wives since it was the Mormon Church that raised $8
million to fight gay marriage in California. I suspect when the dust settles, similar contributions we'll be disclosed here. That a faith notorious for its belief in polygamy is defending the so-called sanctity of marriage is further proof that said sanctity is in the eye of the beholder. But anyway, go ahead marry your goat, which you clearly hold in the same regard as homosexuals.
Higher regard I would say
Higher regard I would say
"Fifty-three percent of us
"Fifty-three percent of us are not bigots, just as 47 percent of us are not foot-soldiers for the 'homosexual agenda.' "
Interesting argument, but one that misses the overall point, which is that 53 percent of Mainers were ultimately persuaded by a few people who are, without question, bigots. That the majority was influenced by fear or misinformation means that it shares the deep-seated bias against homosexuals, or it's completely ignorant of the basic rights afforded to human beings. Neither explanation is particularly flattering.
As for the civil unions, that sounds a hell of a lot like seperate water fountains, restrooms or seats on the bus. I doubt heterosexuals would settle for the back, so why should gays?
And finally, what exactly is the homosexual agenda, anyway? Is there some master plan to lure unsuspecting heteros into the gay world of isolation and degradation, which unlike racial minorities, can be projected by one's own family? I doubt it. Rather, it's the pursuit of equal rights, a worthy agenda that I'm sure any of the 47 percent who voted No on Tuesday would march or fight for.
LOL
LOL
verified Well stated,jddogmatic ,the
Well stated,jddogmatic ,the scare tactics used by the opposition was despicable!TheCatholic Church shoul be ashamed of theselves, closing churchs all over,paying millions to victims of pedophile priests yet they still diverted much time and effortand resources to this effort of ignoranceand biasdividing our citizens!
. .We agree ? " Maine is
. .We agree ? " Maine is a unique purplish state ..." Kinda' lavender or minty , in fact . Alo'ha :)
The concept of hatred
The concept of hatred regarding question 1 is absolutely ridiculous! I am pastoring a multi-racial-ethnic church and opened a message recently by inviting a cross section of the congregation to the platform. Included were Oriental, Black, Caucasian from a multitude of nations. Huggiing all of them I then commented that they had just seen a bigot at work, after which I presented a message in favor of traditional marriage.William J. Kerr
Tell me, pastor, did the
Tell me, pastor, did the "Orientals" resemble food or furniture?
You forgot about rugs!
You forgot about rugs!
verified "...this interpretation
"...this interpretation would mean a majority of Mainers hold hatred in higher esteem than human rights, which is unfair and callous." BS pure an simple. This is the same percentage of voters who voted to discriminate against gays a few years ago. Accepted Mainers are a bigoted lot.
Jon Albrecht Dixfield
verified Guess the no's need to
Guess the no's need to import more out of staters to vote.
Good one, Pirate. BTW, how
Good one, Pirate. BTW, how is the parrot?
verified bunch of crock... no matter
bunch of crock... no matter how any yes on 1 supporters say it/spray it-it still sounds ilke discrimination to me!
With such a rural state it
With such a rural state it makes sense to try to attract religious conservatives to live here rather than homosexuals, and that's what Androscoggin County did by voting strongly to protect marriage. All across America religious conservatives heard the message that they will be welcome in your county. Now the problem is getting the media, such as the backward Sun Journal, to acknowledge that the people voted to protect marriage and want to welcome religious conservatives to our state.
Very well said.
Very well said.
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