My co-workers reserved a few civil liberties highlights of 2012 for me. Not surprisingly, I'm going to focus on the victories for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Americans, especially here in Maine.
I thought I'd do a countdown, leading up to my top moment:
5) In April of 2012, Republican Representative Stacey Fitts of Pittsfield becomes a champion for the freedom to marry in Maine. Representative Fitts agreed to lead the charge for Republicans United for Marriage, speaking at press conferences, reaching out to his colleagues and even starring in a TV ad during the campaign.
4) In May of 2012, President Obama announces his support for same-sex marriage in a TV interview.
3) In September of 2012, Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins signs on to the Uniting American Families Act, which would allow married same-sex couples to sponsor non-citizen spouses for immigration.
2) In December of 2012, the Supreme Court of the United States announces that they would hear Edie Windsor's challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). DOMA prevents legal marriages between same-sex couples from being recognized federally.
1) I realize I'm chronologically out of order here, but my top civil liberty moment in 2012 was on election night, which I lovingly refer to as "the night we won everything." Marriage between loving and committed same-sex couples became legal in Maine, Maryland and Washington state. A constitutional amendment that would have banned same-sex marriages in Minnesota did not pass. It was an incredible sea change and a moment I will never forget. Thank you for helping us make history.
On December 29th, the new marriage law goes into effect here in Maine. I'll be at Portland City Hall at midnight, hoping to continue the celebration from November 6th. Join us as we say goodbye to 2012 and welcome 2013 with a little more liberty for ALL.
All this week we're blogging about our favorite civil liberties moments of 2012. Go here to read all the posts and check back regularly for updates.
