Quote of the Day

"I fear I'll be remembered for the work I did on this campaign."

--Marc Mutty, the Chairman of the Yes on 1 Campaign in Maine that overturned marriage equality in that state in 2009.  Mutty was on leave from his job as public relations director for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maine while running Yes on 1.  He also bemoaned the "hyperbole" used in the campaign and said,

"You know, we say things like 'Teachers will be forced to (teach same-sex marriage in schools)!' " he continues. "Well, that's not a completely accurate statement and we all know it isn't, you know?"


His statements are part of a documentary on the Yes on 1 campaign that will be released later this summer or in the fall.  
 
In related news, Equality Maine has announced a new campaign to gather signatures to put marriage equality on the ballot again in 2012. 

Hate Prevails in Maine While Equality May Win in Washington

The campaign of lies won the day in Maine as the marriage equality bill was rejected by 53% of voters. 47% voted in favor. Once again, the only minority group in America whose rights are put up for popular vote are suffering the tyranny of the majority.

Things look better in Washington, where the so-called everything but marriage law has a solid lead.

In Houston, openly gay Annise Parker has the lead and appears headed for a runoff.

Election Day

If you live in Maine or Washington, go vote for equality.

If you live in New Jersey, a vote for Corzine is a vote for equality. Corzine has pledged to sign a marriage bill when the legislature gets it to his desk. Marriage has the votes in the legislature, but if Corzine looses to Christie, marriage in New Jersey is dead for four years because Christie is solidly opposed to our rights.

If you live in New York's 23rd Congressional district, go vote for Bill Owens.

If you live in Virginia, God help you. The Pat Robertson Manchurian Candidates look like a lock.

A Great American

Watch this 86 year-old World War II veteran explain why he supports marriage equality in Maine. You might want to have a Kleenex handy.



Via Joe.My.God

White House Issues Statement Opposing Anti-Gay Referenda in ME and WA

The Advocate asked the White House for a specific clarification on the President's position on the anti-gay ballot initiatives in Maine and Washington. Here's the reply:

“The President has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same-sex couples, and as he said at the Human Rights Campaign dinner, he believes ‘strongly in stopping laws designed to take rights away.’ Also at the dinner, he said he supports, ‘ensuring that committed gay couples have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country.’"

Remember that the haters used Obama's opposition to marriage equality to their advantage during the Prop. 8 campaign in California.

It would have been nice if he had actually used the words Maine and Washington.

Mad About Her

Belinda Carlisle has released this spot for the No on 1 campaign in Maine. Somehow it's just perfect that her son is gay.

Nate Silver: Maine Marriage Looking Good

Nate Silver, the number cruncher whose election predictions have been pretty darned accurate, has analyzed the upcoming Maine ballot initiative to overturn marriage equality. His conclusion is that the measure will fail and gay Mainers will be getting hitched. An important part of his calculation is the fact that Maine is one of the least religious states in the US, much less so than California. He adds some cautions, but things are looking good.