On Sept. 22, Stand for Marriage Maine, an anti-same sex marriage group, released a TV ad. The ad was copied, verbatim, from a video clip used in California to pass Proposition 8 (available for viewing on YouTube). In this video clip, a teacher from Ellsworth asks Mainers to “Vote Yes on Question 1 to prevent homosexual marriage from being taught in Maine schools.”

In contrast to the aforementioned ad, Equality Maine released an ad wherein a South Portland teacher, who has taught for 45 years, states “Schools should be safe havens for children, places where all children feel welcomed, accepted and safe.”

When my sister and her partner pick up their daughters from school, other students are exposed to the fact that my nieces have two mothers. This reality is not part of the written curriculum, but is openly visible when single-sex partners drop off and pick up their children from school.

Children cannot learn when they do not feel safe, supported and respected. A “yes” vote on Question 1 tells my nieces and others with single-sex parents that they are not accepted and welcomed.

On Nov. 3, I urge others to join me in voting “no” on Question 1, and make schools and communities safe, supportive and respectful places for all Mainers.

Andrea Freed, Farmington