By Stephan Burklin on July 14, 2010
The decibel levels may have subsided since the referendum on same-sex marriage last November, but supporters and opponents signaled at separate rallies today that they are prepared to dial up the volume once again.
A coalition of same-sex marriage supporters held a press conference under the capitol rotunda this morning at 10:30, followed by a rally led by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) on the capitol lawn at noon.
Arrayed in red shirts, buttons, stickers, and other “Equality Maine” accoutrements, nearly 150 proponents of same-sex marriage cheered when Governor Baldacci made an unannounced appearance.
Governor Baldacci spoke approvingly of their efforts: “I’m so impressed with all of you. I know we came up a little bit short in the last election. But I think you did change a lot of minds and hearts.”
He galvanized the red sea of supporters: “I know what the future looks like, and I know that we’re going to have an opportunity to make sure that everybody will be able to enjoy marriage equally and without discrimination.”
The press conference featured speeches by a lesbian couple, a Bangor-based commercial real estate broker, and a Pastor from the First Congregational Church of South Portland.
Several supporters said they had very strong commitments to the same-sex marriage movement. Sheri Gould said: “I think it’s important that we are still fighting this battle. As a heterosexual person, the law doesn’t directly affect me, but it impacts my fellow human beings, and I have to fight for that.”
Betsy Parsons, another supporter, said that she attended the press conference to “claim my birthright as an American citizen, which includes equal rights, and the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those are not idle words to me. I believe it’s really important to stand for those rights.”
