Maine should legalize gay marriage - great editorial in BDN
Question 1: Do you want to allow the state of Maine to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples?
Permitting gay couples to marry will uphold equal treatment required by the U.S. Constitution, promote family values and protect religious beliefs. The ballot initiative is a matter of fairness and, in the end, care for one another.
It’s a matter of equality. Partners raising their children together should both be able to make medical decisions concerning their children’s welfare. Partners should be able to benefit from the others’ pension. But, most of all, gay couples should have the affirmation that their home state respects their belief in marriage and their commitment to each other.
Maine cannot discriminate against gays and lesbians on matters of housing, employment, public accommodation, credit or education. It should not, then, be able to discriminate when it comes to the right of marriage. Some people may understandably oppose gay marriage for religious reasons, but — while the church has played a long and important role in marriage — they should remember that marriage licenses are issued by the state.
They should also remember that no one is trying to change their beliefs. Clergy will not be forced to perform marriage ceremonies or bless gay couples. The legal freedom that protects clergy, allowing them the ability to choose whom to join in marriage, is the same legal freedom gay couples are seeking to be able to marry. Extending legal protections to the few does not hurt the majority.
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/10/30/opinion/maine-should-legalize-gay-marriage/
a warning on the comment section - though there is a majority in support, there are still idiots on there. I'm one of the posters in support, and my handle is "Millicent".
= new reply since forum marked as read
