As my first year as the ACLU of MAINE lobbyist comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the events of the previous legislative session. While ultimately, we did not achieve marriage equality in Maine this year, I agree with Senator Dennis S. Damon, D-Hancock, sponsor of LD 1020 – “It’s not that we failed, it’s just that we haven’t succeeded yet.”
He’s right. We have a lot to be proud of.
- 64 legislators co-sponsored the bill
- An estimated 3000 Mainers turned out to testify or show support at the public hearing on LD 1020, outnumbering opponents 4 to 1.
- Republicans and Democrats, legislators and constituents, and clergy and laypeople from dozens of denominations delivered impassioned floor speeches on the importance of protecting civil rights, including the right to equal rights for LGBT Mainers.
- On May 6, with the signature of our Catholic Governor, Maine became the fifth state to pass marriage equality legislation and the first state to have the legislation supported by both houses of the legislature and the governor.
Check out some of the highlights and stay engaged this session as we continue to fight to protect our civil rights and civil liberties.