Comments on: losing the battle, but winning the war

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:31:02 +0000

yeah, people are all too quick to forget that the Golden Rule of civil rights in the U.S. has long been “separate but equal is not equal”.

until that promise is fulfilled for *everyone*, for all civic institutions and laws, this fight will not go away.

nor should it – because one of the defining characteristics of the U.S. as a country is that we hold ourselves to a pretty high set of ideals. too often we as voters fail to live up to those enshrined ideals – that’s when it is necessary for the courts to step in.

i really think this fight needs to be taken to the courts – the next step should be an overturning of the defense of marriage act, which will clear the way for gay marriage to reach the supreme court.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:23:35 +0000

As a Mainer, yesterday was a sad day. The reality is that compared to most other states in the country, the fact that it even went to a vote is actually very progressive. I’m disappointed in my state, but have a hard time swallowing some stereotypes being put on it with this issue.

The “Yes on 1″ ads showed exactly what this article is about. One of their assertions is that they *do* believe in equality, because gays get the same legal rights as married couples, they just shouldn’t get to be married. It was so unbelievably condescending, like gay couples should show gratitude for the rights they do have and not seek more.

I also agree with the article that this defeat is still a step in the right direction. I’ve heard it said that there is a danger of a backlash if suddenly many states start allowing gay marriage…as much as I prefer all equality in all states, I understand the reality that some battles may have to be lost in order to win the war. Though it’s sad we even have to battle for basic human rights in America.

By: andrea

andrea — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:42:24 +0000

i hate that just when things seem to be progressing, they are knocked down again. change is a slow creature.

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:28:51 +0000

i know – it’s ridiculous. i really thought they (as rebellious independent types) would let it stand

By: lisa

lisa — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:04:24 +0000

It’s Maine. Their population is dwindling and now they just alienated a portion of that population. Hello!?!?!

By: A Free Man

A Free Man — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:31:59 +0000

I know. Especially since they expanded medical marijuana. So, I guess the gays and lesbians can drown their sorrow in pot smoke. I can’t figure out why so many people give a sjit enough about whether gays and lesbians can get married to vote for petty little legislation like the Maine measure. God I’m glad I don’t live in the Bigoted States of America anymore.