Yesterday the ACLU of MAINE joined EqualityMaine and Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders at a press conference to support marriage equality.  Approximately 100 marriage equality supporters turned out in red to listen to show our support for equality.  Governor John Baldacci made a surprise appearance to everyone's delight.  Beverly Uhlenhake of Bangor and Carla Hopkins of Mount Vernon spoke of their families.  Each of them hopes for the respect and the legal protections that civil marriage brings.  Reverend Elsa Peters of the First Congregational Church of South Portland closed the event with a heartfelt statement that felt like a prayer.  The Bangor Daily News captured her words: 

"Peters said the Bible passages that spoke most to her parish on this issue state that “there is no fear in love” and that anyone who loves God must love his brother and sister.

“Marriage equality, my sister and my brothers, is so important because we haven’t cast out fear — not yet,” Peters said. “Marriage equality is so important because we need to see more love, we need to see it in each other.”"

The press conference was our response to the National Organization of Marriage, which kicked off a multi-state campaign against equality yesterday in Augusta.  You can see a video clip covering the competing events here