“A Maine Legislator is charged with civility and responsible conduct inside and outside of the State House commensurate with the trust placed in that Legislator by the electorate,” the Legislative Code of Ethics states.

On June 5, a group from Speak Up for Life gathered at the State House to pass out binders to Democrat legislators containing over a thousand written testimonies against L.D. 1619, the bill to expand abortion to full term.

These were words coming straight from the hearts of Maine people telling their stories. Many were accepted, but many were not. Many representatives said thank you, while others would not engage and kept walking when approached, ignoring the offer or saying “no” straight out.

Of the three reps I attempted to connect with, only one would take the binder and did so courteously. The other two, from Lewiston and St. George, were uncivil and dismissive. My question is, what message does that send, and who do they represent? That behavior grieves the majority of Maine people, just as the content of L.D. 1619 does.

My thanks to all the legislators who listen and engage with Mainers, no matter their position. We need strong and courageous leaders for such a time as this.

Tammy Fereshetian, Turner