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Law repealed by 53% of voters with rural, Catholic backing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
Maine Shoots Down 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)

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." (More vote stories.)

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