“The freedom to marry has long been recognized as one of the vital personal rights essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men."
"Marriage is one of the 'basic civil rights of man,' fundamental to our very existence and survival.”
Those are the words of the Supreme Court in 1967 ruling in the ACLU case of Loving v. Virginia that interracial couples should not be denied the freedom to marry.
And we are here 45 years later celebrating the freedom of every loving and committed same sex couple in Maine.
For over seven years, the ACLU of Maine has helped lead the fight for marriage equality in our state because our mission is defense of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and we believe the freedom to marry is a fundamental constitutional right.
In 1971, the ACLU brought the very first case, Baker v. Nelson, seeking marriage for same-sex couples. That defeat and every heartbreak along the way are part of our history. But history is also an accumulation of thousands of brave actions taken by people who move forward even when the way is not clear.
And this history – the history we made together on Tuesday – is grounded in courage and freedom of speech. The courage shown by people who dared to tell their personal stories over and over again to friends, family, and even strangers – people like my colleague Jill Barkley, Marriage Project Coordinator for the ACLU of whom I am so proud. People like you.
History was made by my friend, Republican Representative Stacey Fitts, who worked with Jill at the ACLU to create Republicans United for Marriage. I know that wasn’t easy for him or his family, and I am very proud to know him.
History was made when thousands of Mainers across the state decided to make the political personal and get involved in this campaign. So thank you.
Across the country, our friends in Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington – states where the ACLU has been involved from the beginning -- also prevailed. Every single one of us, is part of something much larger than ourselves. Our work continues, and we know that history shall judge that our cause – the pursuit of happiness and equality for all – is just.
