This November, three states–Maine, Maryland, and Washington–will vote to preserve or obtain marriage equality by way of a statewide referendum. In Minnesota, voters will consider whether to write a marriage equality ban into their state’s constitution. In a four-part series, we look at the history of efforts in each state with a marriage ballot measure, current polling and how you can get involved.
In the spring of 2009, Maine passed a marriage equality bill. It was all set to become law, but anti-marriage activists put the legislation up to a “People’s Veto” referendum before the law went into effect. Anti-marriage forces won by just 33,000 votes. The National Organization for Marriage alone spent $1.9 million in that race.
It was a difficult defeat to face. But pro-equality Mainers haven’t been resting since then. A coalition led by Equality Maine and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders spent the last two and a half years working on a public education campaign, talking to neighbors door to door about why the freedom to marry is so important.
Find more articles and gay wedding resources in Maine.
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