| Yesterday, Maine people missed an incredible opportunity to lead - to speak with one voice that all committed couples are valued and that all Mainers deserve equality. The passage of Question 1 has left thousands of Mainers across this state feeling devastated and disenfranchised. And, it has left our state divided.
While I share in the sadness of this defeat, I woke up this morning feeling hopeful for the future and focused on the many gains we have made on our journey for justice for all.
Let's remember how far we've come, and how fast.
Put plainly, a decade ago, marriage equality was unthinkable. President Bush used fear of marriage equality as a political tool for his re-election only 5 years ago. Just a few years ago, states couldn't sell civil unions as a compromise to marriage equality.
Yesterday, 47% of Mainers voted to recognize what now seems obvious to so many of us: equal should mean equal. Thousands of straight volunteers joined their gay and lesbian friends and neighbors in knocking on doors and making calls - starting a conversation about fairness and equality that will far outlive this one vote. I was proud to lend my voice to this conversation and to campaign against Question 1.
The message from yesterday's vote is simple - we have more work to do and we must not be distracted from our goal of full equality for all Maine people. I am committed to this journey and will use this campaign to continue the conversations to bring people together around this issue. And, as your Governor, I will provide strong leadership in support of full equality for all.
I wish healing for all who are hurting from this defeat. I thank the Protect Maine Equality campaign staff for running one of the best campaigns I've ever seen in Maine. And, I thank each and every one of you who volunteered your time to the effort. We will overcome this defeat; we will be stronger for it; and next time, we will win.
Steve |
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