I cannot stand stereotypes.
One of the reasons I'm so proud to work for the ACLU of Maine is because we work on a wide variety of issues, protecting the rights enshrined in our constitution. In my work specific to the campaign for same-sex marriage in Maine, I'm thrilled to have been able to organize a group of supporters from our state's Republican party. When I first started talking about my goals for my work at the ACLU of Maine, some people thought this effort would be challenging and that I was unlikely to find much support.
I cannot stand stereotypes because they are limited and often untrue.
Yesterday, the ACLU of Maine stood with a group of 15 Maine Republicans who support the freedom to marry, not in spite of their party affiliation, but because of it. This growing group of supporters, which includes elected officials and former party chairs, spoke out about why they support marriage for loving and committed same-sex couples in our state. Some shared personal reasons while others focused on party values that shape their political views.
Our lead speaker, Representative Stacey Fitts of Pittsfield had a change of heart and mind on this issue since 2009, when he voted against the bill that would legalize same-sex marriage. Today, he's on our side and encouraging others to rethink their position. Dan Demeritt, a consultant and former staff from the LePage Administration made my eyes well up when he talked about his own marriage, and willingness to stand by his children, regardless of their sexual orientation. Clare Payne, an attorney from Bangor spoke about celebrating her parents 65th wedding anniversary last week, which made me think about the 40 years my own parents have had together. The stories were incredible and I was thankful for the courage it took to share them.
I could go on and on, but I'll let you see some of the coverage from the press conference here.
The ACLU of Maine is excited to partner with the Mainer's United for Marriage campaign on this effort, which we're calling Republicans United for Marriage. Do you know someone who might be interested in signing the pledge and joining our coalition? Please email me at [email protected]. I'm looking forward to meeting more of our Republican supporters across the state in the coming months.