AUGUSTA (AP) – The Christian Civic League of Maine’s online newspaper on Wednesday highlighted Tuesday’s filing of people’s veto petitions aimed at derailing Maine’s pending gay rights law and expressed confidence that a statewide vote would proceed.

“Based on previous petition drives, the number of signatures should provide a safe margin, even allowing for invalidated signatures,” The Record said.

“Officials of the Christian Civic League and the Maine Grass Roots Coalition want the people of Maine to know that although this is an exceptionally heated contest, it must also be a fair one, and we are insisting that each signature be examined with absolute impartiality and complete thoroughness.”

People’s veto organizers said they believed they had submitted more than 57,000 signatures, which if certified would surpass the threshold of 50,519 signatures needed to put the measure on the November ballot.

The ballot question would read: “Do you want to reject the new law that would protect people from discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations and credit based on their sexual orientation?”

Twice before, Maine voters have rejected similar legislation.

House Speaker John Richardson, D-Brunswick, issued a statement Tuesday pledging to join gay rights proponents opposing a people’s veto.

“Three months ago men and women from all parts of Maine and all political parties stood together to pass landmark legislation to protect people of all sexual identities from discrimination in the workplace, in housing, lending and education. That was a proud day for Maine,” Richardson said.

“I am not surprised by today’s announcement that Michael Heath and the Christian Civic League have submitted signatures to the Secretary of State for verification that would force a referendum on that issue. I am also not disappointed by today’s announcement.

“I welcome the chance to go before the people of Maine and defend this policy. I think that this is an opportunity for Maine to join the rest of New England in saying that it is wrong to let the majority of society dictate to the minority the rights they should have.

“I hope that in the coming months we can have an open and honest debate about why the people of Maine should stand behind eliminating discrimination and support this policy,” Richardson said.

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