I've been to two out of three weddings I'll attend during New England's wedding season. Maine is such a beautiful state to tie the knot in and I feel lucky to be able to attend so many celebrations each year. I love weddings in general - the happiness of the couple, the food and the music.
The first wedding I attended in Falmouth was a lovely outdoor wedding with great food and dancing under a tent. The couple exchanged personal vows, involved all those who attended in a ring warming ceremony and were surrounded by loving and supportive family members.
The second wedding I attended in Yarmouth was also outside, also included personal vows, a ring warming ceremony and many loving and supportive family members, including a grandmother who was celebrating her 90th birthday! The only big difference? This couple couldn't obtain a civil marriage license.
To me, both couples are married. They've taken vows according to their faith traditions in front of their family and friends. But the state of Maine only recognizes the first couple as legally married. As such, only the first couple is granted a series of rights according to our state's laws.
The ACLU of Maine strongly supports the right of all faith communities and clergy to chose what types of weddings to officiate and host. But we recognize that a civil marriage license should be accessible to two adults who want to marry, regardless of gender. We're working really hard on the Mainers United for Marriage campaign every day to make sure everyone is treated equally under the law - whether it's attending meetings, making phone calls, helping out with house parties or engaging supportive Republicans, the ACLU of Maine is all in. Are you?
Go to the Mainers United website here to find out how you can get involved.