November, 04 2009, 07:02am EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Inga Sarda-Sorensen
Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463
isorensen@theTaskForce.org
Marriage Equality Goes Down in Maine
WASHINGTON
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force expressed deep
disappointment in the apparent passage of Question 1, which repeals a
law granting same-sex couples the right to marry in Maine.
Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
"This heartbreaking defeat in Maine unfortunately shows that lies
and fear can still win at the ballot box. Yet despite this setback, the
tide clearly is turning nationwide in favor of marriage equality. We
are confident that Maine will again join the growing number of states
that extend the essential security and legal protections of marriage to
all loving, committed couples. All across the nation, same-sex couples
and their families are sharing their stories and their lives with
others in a conversation that is transforming our country. That doesn't
end today. If anything, it inspires and compels us to press forward.
"We extend our heartfelt thanks to the thousands of volunteers and
campaign workers who fought their hardest for equality in Maine, to the
No on 1 campaign and EqualityMaine for their enduring leadership, and
to the voters who cast their ballots for fairness rather than
fear-mongering."
The Task Force's work in Maine
During the heat of the No on 1 campaign, the Task Force Action Fund
dedicated several full-time organizers for field work. An additional
Task Force organizer supported the work of the No on 1 local finance
committee, and the Task Force's interactive media coordinator assisted
with No on 1's online organizing and social networking capacity. In
addition, the Task Force made a direct contribution of $75,000 to No on
1; recruited volunteers from around the country to participate in the
volunteer vacations program; and convened the National Religious
Leadership Roundtable in Maine for faith-based actions in mid-October.
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we've made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That's why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you. Join us!
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