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Maine Gov. Endorses Protecting Equality

Maine Governor John Baldacci announced his endorsement of marriage equality in a message to those opposing the ballot measure to overturn same-sex marriage rights this November.


John Baldacci X390 (COURTESY MAINE INSIGHTS.COM) | ADVOCATE.COM

Maine governor John Baldacci announced his endorsement of marriage equality in a message to those opposing the ballot measure to repeal same-sex marriage rights this November.

"In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions," he said at a campaign event Tuesday. "I came to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage."

Baldacci, who signed legislation to establish marriage equality in the spring, reiterated that the law would not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. "Instead," he said, "it reaffirms the separation of church and sate."

State senator Chris Rector, who couldn't attend the press conference for No on 1's get-out-the-vote effort on Tuesday, issued a statement saying he voted for the marriage equality bill because "I came to believe that it was the right thing to do for the state of Maine."

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Reader Comments
  • Name: Scott
    Date posted: 10/27/2009 3:15:22 PM
    Hometown: Portland

    Comment:

    Chris, that sounds like the definition of a "sell out" just as you described it there. McCain is opposed to us having equal rights but if he won at least we would know where we stand and not wait around waiting for miracles to happen. I did vote for Obama, but if the democrats do not make some drastic changes that will make America an equatible place for us to live then I will never vote democrat again. It is PATHETIC that the American status quo is now voting on eachothers rights, when the original intent of the country was that people have equal rights and each have the right to pursue their happiness. Obama would go down in history as a hero if he actually took charge and followed thru with the campaign promises he made.

  • Name: chris
    Date posted: 10/27/2009 2:28:33 PM
    Hometown: st robert

    Comment:

    I know it's disappointing that Obama went from pro to anti marriage, but the fact is that in America right now, if Obama had said otherwise, we would be watching President McCain stall our progress for the next 4-8 years, and his supreme court would rule that gay rights threaten "religious liberties" We've made a lot of progress, but it will be a while before anyone who supports marriage equality is electable for president. When apresident supports us, suddenly all the other issues become irrelavant to those stupid rednecks in the south and midwest.

  • Name: Brian
    Date posted: 10/27/2009 1:45:41 PM
    Hometown: Anaheim

    Comment:

    Pres. Obama is the first politician I know of that went from a pro-equality to an anti-equality position. Thanks to this Governor for realizing that he was wrong and making a difference.



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