Today the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, expressed profound sadness and anger at the passage of Question 1 in Maine. Question 1 was a referendum vetoing the state’s law recognizing same-sex marriages. Also in last night’s election results, voters in Washington are headed for approval of Referendum 71, an initiative to approve the state’s domestic partnership law. And in New York’s 23rd Congressional District, voters rejected the anti-gay extremist positions of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman, instead electing Democrat Bill Owens.
“Although we lost our battle in Maine, we will not allow the lies and hate—the foundation on which our opponents built their campaign—to break our spirits. We are on the right side of history and we will continue this fight,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “I am angry. But more importantly, I am determined that with the anger I feel today from this outcome in Maine, we’ll rise ever stronger to demand equal treatment under the law and equal respect for our relationships in Maine, California, New Jersey, and every state of the Union.”
Maine was poised to become the fifth state in the United States to recognize same-sex marriage in May 2009, after the measure was passed by the state Senate and House of Representatives and signed into law by Governor John Baldacci. The issue was placed on the statewide ballot after opponents to marriage equality submitted sufficient signatures for a people’s veto referendum.
"This law did not threaten families; rather it was an historic step that strengthened Maine families. For enacting this law, we owe a debt of gratitude to Maine legislators and Governor Baldacci. And for giving their best to protect it at the ballot, we thank the incredibly talented and dedicated staff and volunteers who brought life to the No on 1 campaign.”
