AUGUSTA (AP) – A Republican political action committee said it’s organizing a grassroots effort to defeat a gay marriage bill that was introduced last week.

The Maine Republican Project is opposing a bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. The bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. Dennis Damon of Trenton bill seeks allow two persons to marry.

Dean Scontras of the Maine Republican Project said his group’s members were concerned about the timing of the Damon’s bill. “This will simply absorb valuable legislative cycles that should be dedicated toward repairing the economic situation of so many Mainers,” Scontras said.

Meanwhile, Republican state Rep. Les Fossel of Alna is sponsoring a bill to ensure that couples on Maine’s Domestic Partner Registry receive the same legal rights and benefits as married couples. Fossel said that currently, married couples enjoy certain rights that are denied to unmarried couples in a variety of areas, including financial benefits.

Fossel said Damon’s gay marriage bill will trigger emotional debate and predicted that if it passes, it will face a people’s veto initiative. He said his bill tries to find middle ground.

“This bill might not be perfect for everyone, but it is the only bill with a chance of succeeding without immediately triggering a referendum to repeal,” said Fossel. “I suggest we’re far better off with an equitable solution than with animosity and division.”

AP-ES-01-17-09 1313EST