PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – Supporters of the gay marriage law that was rejected at the polls by Maine voters are taking heart in the 47 percent their side received in a referendum that drew an unexpectedly high turnout.

With more than 200 supporters as a backdrop, leaders of the campaign that sought unsuccessfully to prevent the scuttling of Maine’s gay marriage law said they are not quitting what they termed a civil rights struggle. But what form their effort will take is not yet known.

Mary Bonauto of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders said, “Today’s not a day to talk strategy.” Instead, she said it’s a day for healing.

The campaign to repeal the law, which was enacted by the Legislature last May, says it was not surprised by the outcome.