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Maine Shoots Down Same-Sex Marriage

Law repealed by 53% of voters with rural, Catholic backing

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 4, 2009 4:45 AM CST
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(Newser) – Maine voters yesterday shot down a state law allowing same-sex marriage after an emotionally charged campaign that drew hordes to the polls. The vote was another indication of a list to the right election night. “It has all come together and the institution of marriage has been preserved," said Frank Shubert, manager of the Stand for Marriage Maine campaign, as gays and supporters sobbed at poll-watching sites. Question 1 passed by 53%, largely due to support in rural Maine and among devout Catholic populations.

It rescinds the same-sex marriage law passed in May and quickly suspended before it became effective. "No on 1" campaign manager Jesse Connolly vowed to continue the fight for gay rights: “We're here for the long haul.” The vote is important in the same-sex marriage battle. "The movement has to win a state like Maine," one observer told the San Francisco Chronicle. "It's not a liberal bastion, but fairly progressive—sort of an impartial bellwether."

Frank Schubert, campaign director for Stand for Marriage Maine, claims victory for Yes on 1 last night in Portland, Maine. The vote rescinds the Legislature's approval of same-sex marriage
Frank Schubert, campaign director for Stand for Marriage Maine, claims victory for Yes on 1 last night in Portland, Maine. The vote rescinds the Legislature's approval of same-sex marriage   (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Volunteers cheer while watching returns at the Question 1 election night headquarters in Portland, Maine, last night.
Volunteers cheer while watching returns at the Question 1 election night headquarters in Portland, Maine, last night.   (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)
Friends console one another after learning about the unofficial defeat on Question 1 at election night headquarters in Portland, Maine, early today.
Friends console one another after learning about the unofficial defeat on Question 1 at election night headquarters in Portland, Maine, early today.   (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)
Friends console one another after learning about the unofficial defeat on Question 1 at election night headquarters in Portland, Maine, early Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, 2009.
Friends console one another after learning about the unofficial defeat on Question 1 at election night headquarters in Portland, Maine, early Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, 2009.   (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)
Lisa Brackbill, left, Darlene Huntress and Lisa Pugh console one another after learning about the vote to rescind the Maine Legislature's approval of same-sex marriage.
Lisa Brackbill, left, Darlene Huntress and Lisa Pugh console one another after learning about the vote to rescind the Maine Legislature's approval of same-sex marriage.   (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 106 comments
mom_of_ross
Nov 11, 2009 2:46 AM CST
However, the behavior you're speaking of isn't really GAY behavior. For example, geese don't become life long partners of another goose of the same sex.
mom_of_ross
Nov 11, 2009 2:37 AM CST
AMEN. If they need to amend civil unions to include more rights, then so be it.
mom_of_ross
Nov 11, 2009 2:36 AM CST
BleeBloo...by that argument we shouldn't have a problem with pedophiles.
Politics • US

 
gay rights • gay marriage • Maine • vote • Catholic • rural America

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