Our victory on November 3rd to restore traditional marriage in Maine was as gratifying for us as it was devastating for our opponents and the media is still covering its fallout. From the very start of our campaign, we focused on the consequences that have befallen other states where same-sex marriage is legal. In clear and concise terms, we presented the facts for all Mainers to consider before casting their ballot. Our campaign was one based on truth; our opponents fueled their efforts with self-designed fiction, responding to us with vitriol, invective and intolerance of our position.

It is precisely the response we expected during the campaign and exactly the relationship we hoped to avoid moving forward. As we said on election night when we declared victory, there were fences that need mending as a result of what, for many, was a polarizing issue. We remain hopeful that we can reach such an accord, but it is disappointing to see that some supporters’ of homosexual marriage continue a drumbeat of bigotry and intolerance.

One need only look at the response to Wednesday’s Boston Globe column by Jeff Jacoby as Exhibit A of this intolerance and respect for a diversity of viewpoints on this issue.

Jacoby’s general message is that the time has come to put name-calling aside and learn to respect and tolerate the opinions of those who disagree on this issue. Click here to read the column.

Jacoby writes, “It may be emotionally satisfying to despise as moral cripples the majorities who oppose gay marriage…. Wouldn’t it make more sense to concede that thoughtful voters can have reasonable concerns about gay marriage…?”

There is nothing in this column that could be construed as hateful or bigoted, and certainly neither ignorant nor misinformed. Yet as of this writing, the piece has elicited nearly 600 responses from readers, an alarming number of them variations on the theme of “how dare you allow such a hateful, bigoted column to be printed.”

As you know, the mainstream media was not on our side of this issue, but 53 percent of Mainers voted to preserve marriage as between one man and one woman last week. Please thank this courageous journalist and his employer by writing a letter to the editor in praise of Mr. Jacoby’s thoughtful, decent approach to moving forward in a civilized manner, no matter our differences.

Sincerely,
Marc Mutty
Bob Emrich
Brian Brown

Read more here.

Last night we did it! Through your hard work and dedication, support and belief in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, 53 percent of Mainers voted to preserve traditional marriage!

At the end of this high-fevered battle, Mainers were persuaded by the facts we presented and cast their vote to preserve the sacred institution of marriage.

It was an uphill battle, with our opponents having had the upper hand both financially and on the ground. We pulled out all the stops to fight against the millions of dollars our opponents spent. It was certainly worth the fight! Unfortunately we are left with a campaign debt that needs to be retired as quickly as possible. We would appreciate your help if you can make an additional donation to our cause.

We could not have won this historic campaign without the tireless help of every single one of you who cast a vote, knocked on a door, made a phone call, talked with your neighbors and friends about Question 1, and wrote a check to support our cause, all the while packing it in between work, running your children to school and the daily demands of life.

The eyes of the nation were upon Maine last night and because of our collective effort, they have seen that marriage does, indeed matter. As we said last night in our victory speech, “as Maine goes, so goes the nation.” The clarion call to preserve and protect marriage was made loud and clear on this historic Tuesday in November.

Let us rejoice and give thanks for this victory. We are sincerely grateful for everything each and every one of you has done to preserve marriage in Maine.

With gratitude and thanks,

Marc Mutty, Chairman
Bob Emrich, Executive Committee Member
Brian Brown, Executive Committee Member

Opponents are seeking to discredit an honored Maine teacher for speaking out in support of Question One. Join Don Mendell and others who have decided to take a stand for marriage in Maine!

The religious left complains religion should not be used to decide the gay marriage issue.

They also use specific religious beliefs and doctrines on homosexuality in their churches to help them decide how they vote.

Read more about the hypocrisy and inconsistencies of the religious left, according to one Maine resident, by clicking here.

“While the issue of same-sex marriage stirs lots of passions on both sides of the debate, one thing that should be clear is that citizens should feel free to support groups that share and advance their views without fear of recrimination enabled by government.”

Sean Parnell, president of the Center for Competitive Politics in Alexandria, Va., spoke out about the Question One debate today. To read more, click here.

Click here.

STATEMENT FROM STAND FOR MARRIAGE MAINE
REGARDING THREAT TO YES ON 1 TV AD SPOKESMAN DON MENDELL

The following statement can be attributed to Marc Mutty, chairman, Stand for Marriage Maine:

“I want to alert you to a disturbing development that confirms what we have been saying about the larger threat that redefining marriage poses to every Mainer.

“Don Mendell, one of our spokesmen who appeared in a television ad for Stand for Marriage Maine, has come under attack by our opponents.

“Don is a high school guidance counselor and licensed social worker. His appearance in the television ad prompted a complaint to the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation – requesting that his license to practice social work in the state of Maine be stripped away – simply because of his personal opinion on marriage.

“It is ironic that those who claim tolerance as their highest value prove themselves to be so intolerant that they would go so far as to threaten a father’s career and put his family’s future at risk. This latest attack highlights the true agenda of those who demand that marriage be redefined.

“No one who opposes Question 1 is in similar danger from those who support marriage between one man and one woman.

“Our opponents want to shut us down. We have no interest in limiting free speech and threatening the right of conscience for those who disagree. So who’s really intolerant?

“This attack proves that a “YES” vote next Tuesday is about much more than protecting marriage. It is also about preserving free speech, religious liberty and right of conscience and about what is taught to children.

“This threat to Don and his family’s livelihood is proof that those who demand marriage be redefined seek to punish and silence those who disagree.

“It is our hope that the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation dismisses this complaint for what it is – nonsense. The Alliance Defense Fund – a legal alliance of attorneys committed to defending the right of people to freely live out their faith – is considering potential action on behalf of Don’s fundamental liberties.

“If the people of Maine vote Yes on Question 1 to protect marriage, we have hope that free speech and religious liberty will be respected. If marriage is not protected, Don will only be the first victim.

To the contrary, tearing down signs (silencing speech) is an act of arrogance or ignorance carried out by those who believe theirs is the only voice worth hearing, and it cannot be defended as either “moral” or democratic. It should stop.

Read more about the other side’s “arrogance or ignorance.”