No on 1/Protect Maine Equality

In May of 2009 thousands of people across the state of Maine celebrated as "An Act to Promote Marriage Equality and Affirm Religious Freedom" (Public Law Chapter 82) was passed by the Maine State Legislature and signed by Governor John Baldacci. With the passing of this law same-sex couples were granted legal rights such as the ability to file taxes jointly and access to health insurance as a family. "An Act to Promote Marriage Equality and Affirm Religious Freedom" honors the commitment that same-sex couples make to each other, and in the eyes of the law makes this commitment equal to their heterosexual counterparts.

The law was scheduled to take effect September 12, 2009, but in recent months it has been derailed by opponents of same-sex marriage via the Maine Same-Sex Marriage People's Veto. Members of the group behind this effort collected a sufficient number of signatures to place the measure on the November ballot. This means that the law will not go into effect until and unless a statewide vote of the people approves it. The vote will take place on November 3rd.

"No on 1/Protect Maine Equality" is a statewide, grassroots campaign defending the marriage equality law challenged by the Maine Same-Sex Marriage People's Veto. Voting "no" on Question 1 preserves the law that was enacted this spring after thousands of Maine residents testified before the legislature. "No on 1/Protect Maine Equality" has put forth an amazing effort in the crusade for legal marriage for same-sex couples, and with the voting day right around the corner they need your help!

Want to get involved? On Sunday, September 27 a virtual phone bank will be utilized to contact Maine voters about this critical referendum. All you need is a phone number and a computer with an internet connection. No long distance fees, no dialing - the web-based software does it all! Click here  for more information or to sign up! 

Our friends at Vermont Freedom to Marry are also looking for volunteers to help with a VFM phone bank to help our counterparts in Maine identify supportive voters. Please email Sheryl@vermontfreedomtomarry.org or Ashley@vermontfreedomtomarry.org to get involved!