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DNC Forgets to Mention Question 1, Gay Marriage in Maine Mailer

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

The Executive Director of Organizing for America sent an email to Mainers telling them to vote. Someone I know just got it:

Tomorrow is Election Day once again in Maine. It’s as important as ever for you to get out to vote. And just like you did last year, bring friends, family, and co-workers with you when you go to the polls.

Funny thing (or not), OFA forgot to tell Mainers what issues are on the ballot and how to vote on those issues. For example, there’s no mention of Question 1, the measure to repeal Maine’s marriage equality law – i.e., repeal gay marriage – in the email (really big surprise, huh?).

Full Story from AmericaBlog: http://gay.americablog.com/2009/11/ofa-tells-mainers-to-get-out-and-vote.html

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources.


To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

538's Nate Silver Gives Advantage to Gay Marriage Supporters in Maine

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Question 1, Maine’s gay marriage referendum, remains a tight contest but gay marriage advocates are heading into the final lap with the advantage, one analyst concludes.

Gay marriage has yet to win a popular vote but proponents hope Mainers will be the first to buck the trend. At least one analysis favors a gay marriage win.

Question 1 asks Mainers to affirm – or reject – a gay marriage law approved by lawmakers in the spring. If approved, the law would not go into effect; gay men and lesbians would not be allowed to marry, but gay marriage would not be banned outright. That is, the Legislature would be free to enact a new law during its ordinary session. Which is different from a voter-approved constitutional gay marriage ban – such as California’s Proposition 8 – that leaves lawmakers and courts impotent on the issue. A ban severely hamstrings gay marriage advocates options.

Full Story from On Top Magazine: http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=4804&MediaType=1&Category=26

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Maine.


To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Yes on 1 Plans Last Minute Attack Ad on Gay Marriage Supporters

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Protect Maine Equality is requesting donations in order to counter a last-minute attack and appeal for money from the “Yes on 1″ people, who sent out an email blast asking fro money in order to buy air time for a new attack ad.

Writes Stand for Marriage Maine (the bad guys) in an email:

“Dear Question 1 Supporter, We are so grateful for all your support, but I need to ask you one last time to please step up with a financial contribution so we can educate voters about a fast-breaking development that could be important to voters as they head to the polls on Tuesday.”

Full Story from Towleroad.com: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/11/protect-maine-equality-is-requesting-donations-in-order-to-counter-a-last-minute-attack-and-appeal-for-money-from-the-yes-on.html

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Maine.


To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Pro Gay Marriage Catholic Group Protests in Portland, Maine

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

A group called Catholics for Marriage Equality held a vigil outside of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Sunday to protest Bishop Richard Malone’s stance on Question One.

The Roman Catholic Diocese has led the effort to overturn Maine’s newly enacted law legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.

Among the speakers at the vigil was Pamella Starbird Beliveau, who was recently removed from her position as a lector at a Lewiston Catholic church after she wrote a newspaper column in support of gay marriage.

Full Story from My Fox: http://www.myfoxmaine.com/dpp/news/20091102_pro-gay_marriage_catholics_hold_protest

Planning to marry your partner in Maine? Click here for gay marriage resources.


To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Gay Marriage Watch: Gay Marriage Events List 11/1/09

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

Gay Marriage Watch Events List:

We now publish updates daily, and a weekly recap of upcoming gay marriage events. For the posted stories during the week and our occasional “woody award” for gay marriage homophobia, just scroll down the blog or check the archives on the right.

To subscribe to this blog, or if you have any thoughts about how we can make this feature better or easier to use or any updates on the issues covered here, let me know at info@purpleunions.com.

You can also now find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF).

We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc

Enjoy the rest of the Watch!

–Scott

Upcoming Gay Marriage Events (in Country, State, City Order)

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA

Australia, SA, Adelaide: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a “Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage.” http://tinyurl.com/yfnto8w

Australia, QLD, Brisbane: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a “Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage.” http://tinyurl.com/yfnto8w

Australia, QLD, Canberra: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a “Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage.” http://tinyurl.com/yfnto8w

Australia, NSW, Lismore: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a “Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage.” http://tinyurl.com/yfnto8w

Australia, VIC, Melbourne: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a “Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage.” http://tinyurl.com/yfnto8w

Australia, WA, Perth: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a “Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage.” http://tinyurl.com/yfnto8w

Australia, NSW, Sydney: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a “Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage.” http://tinyurl.com/yfnto8w

Australia, NSW, Sydney: 3/3: NMG’s Dinner at the Zoo, to raise money for Australian Marriage Equality (AME). http://tinyurl.com/yjcc8ks

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

UK, England, Brighton: 11/15: Gay wedding show. http://tinyurl.com/yls8g6w

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN ARIZONA

USA, AZ, Tucson: 11/20: 1st annual Wingspan Classic Golf Tournament benefit. 12:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ykuh8ox

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA

CA, Belmont: 11/2: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, Congregational Church, 7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, Berkeley: 11/1: No on 1 Phonebank, T’s House, 2-5 PM, http://tinyurl.com/yhloy4w

CA, Carlsbad: 11/1: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 6:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, Claremont: 11/2: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, Memorial Park, 6:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, Concord: 11/1: No on 1 Phonebank, Rainbow Comm Ctr, 2-5 PM, http://tinyurl.com/yjk7kmb

CA, Crestline: 11/2: No on 1 Phonebank, 3 PM, http://tinyurl.com/ylh4rjb

CA, Glendale: 11/1: No on 1 Phonebank, 10 AM-1 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yfu8sf3

CA, Los Angeles: Every Monday: LA Equal Roots Meeting. http://tinyurl.com/ntkal4

CA, Los Angeles: Every Tuesday: Love Honor Cherish Meeting. 7:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/r2kruq

CA, Los Angeles: 11/1: No on 1 Phonebank, Private Home, 9:30-12:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yko35ye

CA, Los Angeles: 11/2: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, Los Angeles: 11/4: Marriage Equality Day – Mourning the loss of Rights stripped away by Prop 8, 7-10 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ygz2gpm

CA, Los Angeles: 11/5: Toast to Equality EQCA benefit, 6-9:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yzfvkrk

CA, Los Angeles: 11/6: 13 Love Stories Opening Night w/ Reverend Eric of SCLC, 7-9 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yzm8l3r

CA, Los Angeles: 11/7-11/20: “Lavender Los Angeles: The Making of our pre-Stonewall LGBT Movement”. http://tinyurl.com/yhc5e8b

CA, Los Angeles: 11/12: Tabling at Art Walk with Equality Network, 7-9:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yf3dyob

CA, Modesto: 11/2: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, Universal Life Church, 7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, Mountainview: 11/2: Phonebanking for Maine. 2-7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/m2ccut

CA, Oakland: 11/2: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, Lakeshore Baptist Church, 7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, Palm Springs: 11/7-11/8: Palm Springs Pride http://tinyurl.com/yhsfscv

CA, Riverside: 11/2: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, St. George’s Episcopal Church, 7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, Sacramento: 11/1: No on 1 Phonebank, Petra’s House, 12 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ya5vllb

CA, Sacramento: 11/4: A Day of Remembrance, Tears and Action: rally at the State Capitol. 5-7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/akwh6f

CA, Sacramento: 11/6: Honoring John Chiang, John A. Perez, and Kathy Kneer for their fight for LGBT rights, 6-8 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yhv3fv2

CA, Sacramento: 11/7: Camp Courage Sacramento 2-day training program on community organizing. http://tinyurl.com/yj8azmm

CA, San Diego: 11/3: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, 1st Unitarian Church, 12 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, San Diego: 11/5: 2nd Annual “I DO” Party, 25% to EQCA, $10, 9 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ykca4to

CA, San Diego: 11/14: 2009 San Diego Equality Awards. http://tinyurl.com/yk595tj

CA, San Francisco: 11/1: No on 1 Phonebank, EQCA HQ, 11 AM, http://tinyurl.com/yharluq

CA, San Francisco: 11/2: No on 1 Phonebank, EQCA HQ, 2:30-5:30 AM, http://tinyurl.com/yeuwh24

CA, San Francisco: 11/3: No on 1 Phonebank, ACLU HQ, 7:00-8:00 PM, http://tinyurl.com/yeuwh24

CA, San Francisco: 11/3: Election Night party, Martuni’s. 8:00 PM, http://tinyurl.com/yeuwh24

CA, San Francisco: 11/2: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, San Francisco: 11/4: Full Federal Equality Now! Rally and Action for LGBT Rights, Harvey Milk Plaza, 6-9 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yl38wap

CA, San Jose: 11/1: No on 1 Phonebank, EQCA Office, 1-5 PM, http://tinyurl.com/ylnk75n

CA, San Jose: 11/2: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, First Christian Church, 6-7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yknva69

CA, San Luis Obispo: 11/2: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, SLO Mission Plaza Amphitheater, 6 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, Santa Clara: 11/2: Interfaith Candlelight Rally to Support Marriage Equality, First Christian Church, 6-7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yjhsg52

CA, Santa Monica: 11/6: Share the Hope, Equality 2010, Sanctuary Church, 6 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, Sherman Oaks: 10/31: No on 1 Phonebank, Location TBA, 11 AM-2 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yfjkh2q

CA, Thousand Oaks:
11/2: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, Hillcrest Dr/Lynn Rd, 6:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, Vallejo: 11/2: Keeping the Faith Candlelight Rally, 1st Christian Church, 7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y8t3zbu

CA, West Hollywood: Every Wednesday: Equality Network meeting, at Fubar. 7-9PM. http://tinyurl.com/nlt3la

CA, West Hollywood: 11/7: An Action / Rally to officially kick-off a new campaign to enact marriage equality in California, thereby overturning Prop 8. 5-8 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ykwt3lq

CA, West Hollywood: 11/12: Launch of The Love Unites Shepard Fairey Equality Project benefiting marriage equality. $30-125. 8-11 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ykwt3lq

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MAINE

ME: Volunteer with No on 1. http://tinyurl.com/yzk4ybd

ME, Augusta: 11/1: Interfaith Candlelight Vigil, 1st Universalist Church, 4-4:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yhp3f34

ME, Auburn: 11/1: Interfaith Candlelight Vigil, UU Church, 5-5:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ylc874f

ME, Bangor: 11/1: Interfaith Candlelight Vigil, St. Patricks., 5-5:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yzhglah

ME, Brunswick: 11/1: Interfaith Candlelight Vigil, Brunswick Mall, 5:30-6 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ygm633h

ME, Kennebunk: 11/1: Interfaith Candlelight Vigil, First Parish UU Church, 5-6 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yh4edpq

ME, Portland: 11/1: Interfaith Candlelight Vigil, Williston-West Church, 5-6 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ygm633h

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN OREGON

OR, Bend: 11/3: Winning the Freedom to Marry with Evan Wolfson, Old Stone Church, 7 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yfkmkz4

OR, Eugene: 11/4: Winning the Freedom to Marry with Evan Wolfson, Old Stone Church, 6 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yfkmkz4

OR, Portland: Every Tuesday: Portland Equal Rights Coalition Meeting, Check Site for Location. http://tinyurl.com/yfqd2pz

OR, Portland: 11/2: Winning the Freedom to Marry with Evan Wolfson, Old Stone Church. SEIU Local 49, 6 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yfkmkz4

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN TEXAS

TX, Dallas: 2/3-2/7: The 22nd National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change: The 22nd National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change will be held at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in beautiful downtown Dallas, Texas, Feb. 3 – 7, 2010. http://tinyurl.com/ykppv5p

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fini

Crazies Coming Out of the Woodwork in Maine Gay Marriage Fight

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

This is gonna be fun. First, everybody get naked.

Wow, that was fast. Now, to play the game all you have to do is guess which of these comments about Maine’s upcoming ballot Question 1 are real—i.e. from letters and opinion columns published in the Portland Press Herald, Bangor Daily News or Portland Daily Sun—and which are ones I just made up to sound crazy. This is tougher than it looks. Good luck!

1) Gay rights advocates sneer at the common-sense objection that homosexual relations cannot be considered natural or normal. One need merely look at human anatomy and consider the consequences if all sex were homosexual sex to grasp this obvious and intuitive fact.

Full Story from Daily Kos: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/10/30/798655/-Cheers-and-Jeers:-Candy-Corn-FRIDAY!

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Maine.


To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Maine Governor: Gay Marriage is About Equality

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Despite his last-minute endorsement of Maine’s gay marriage law when he signed it, Governor John Baldacci does not want it repealed, the Bangor Daily News reported.

At a Tuesday event in support of gay marriage, the governor said the issue was about equality, and urged Maine voters to reject Question 1.

“I think Maine people have recognized … that we are all unique people, we are all different,” he said. “But we are all under the same Constitution and we all want to make sure there is equal protection for all citizens.”

Full Story from On Top Magazine: http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=4782&MediaType=1&Category=26

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Maine.


To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Dueling Gay Marriage Ads from Maine via The Daily Dish

Friday, October 30th, 2009

The anti-gay forces in Maine are ramping up the “gay conspiracy to get your kids” angle in the latest wave of ads. The pro-gay forces continue on the high road. I hope this ends well. Both ads after the jump. They are, in a way, almost poignant examples of the politics of fear and the politics of hope.

Full Story from The Daily Dish: http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/10/doubling-down.html

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Maine.


To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

NOM Must Identify Anti Gay Marriage Donors in Maine Campaign

Friday, October 30th, 2009

A Princeton Borough-based organization that is the leading financial backer of an anti-gay marriage campaign in Maine must identify its contributors, a federal judge ruled this week.

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), a group founded by Princeton University politics professor Robert George in 2007, has given more than $1.5 million to a group that is urging voters to overturn Maine’s law allowing gay marriage.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci signed the measure into law in May, making Maine the first state to create gay marriage through a governor’s signature rather than a court ruling. The referendum takes place Tuesday.

Full Story from NJ.com: http://www.nj.com/news/times/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-18/125688180673960.xml&coll=5

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Maine.


To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Recap of Gay Marriage Debate in Portland, Maine

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

Maine’s referendum on same-sex marriage, which has generated a wave of television commercials and fierce public debate, took center stage Wednesday night in a debate between representatives from both campaigns.

Brian Souchet, of Brunswick, representing opponents of same-sex marriage, said marriage is a unique arrangement between a man and a woman that should be protected.

Mary Bonauto, of Portland, representing supporters of the new law allowing same-sex marriage, said the issue is about fairness and equality.

Full Story from the Morning Sentinel: http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/7034479.html

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Maine.


To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.