Might as well hold the daylong public hearing on a gay marriage proposal at the Augusta Civic Center like they did with LURC and Plum Creek.

Think about a segregated America...

Think about interracial marriage...

Think about a womans right to vote...

A decade or two from now when marriage is solely considered between two people... it will be inconcievable to think of the injustices that occurred during these current times.

This issue will not go away... equal marriage is now in four states and numerous countries across the world. It is going to happen.

You don't have to accept or embrace it... Tolerance is the key. Maybe when society embraces tolerance for other peoples views, the world will be a better place.

Good thing the legislature is prioritizing and not worrying about the little things like balancing the budget or trimming the fat in the state, or trying to stimulate the economy. The issues that impact all that are in Maine not just a small portion of the population.

Of course John is taking a wait and see attitude as he's a career politician.

I still love John for the things he did for me and my friends who were furthering handicapped, and other issues in the past, but I know his main interest isn't in just slinging Lasagna!

Mainelyme

He's so "open minded", we can all see there's nothing in there.

It hasn't affected his balance though. He can tio toe around an issue and straddle the fence better than a cat.

Downeastdave you nailed it with that post. I gave you a thumbs up. What you stated is what I was thinking. Well done with that post.

downeastdave talks about tolerance. How come you Liberal/Progressives are so intolerant of middle American and Conservative views? Thru the nearly total control of the media(TV, Movies, Newspapers), the Liberal view is always portrayed as good, just, an ideal. Any other view is mocked as intolerant, silly, but mostly, it is considered evil.

I agree with downeastdave, I hope it passes, all the right wingers will in no way be affected. Don't be haters, worry about all the people this past week that are getting blown away, and let loving, committed people just live!

The issues downeastdave bring up are different than this issue as they have nothing to do with morailty, that's why this needs to go to vote so everyone can have a voice.

Dave is correct on one point, this issue will not go away. The gay movement is too well funded from out of state sources.

Proponents of this bill tout tolerance but if anyone disagrees they are labelled as haters & right-wingers. And if that fails, proponents rant on unjust cries of inequality even though Maine currently has a domestic registry that is open to gays and gives partners legal status with regard to probate, guardianships and other matters.

Respect the opinions of others, not everyone shares your ideals, name calling is hardly being tolerant.

Does this "open mind" mean he's "open" to a relationship with another man?

perhaps Mr. Toupee?

Can a person really think of anything closer to their heart than the ability to love your spouse and raise a family with dignity and respect?

Do we as individuals truely believe that we "know" what's best for other people.

At the very least, when we "rigidly define" family......we are stepping into other peoples homes. By any definition, "a family" is a small group of people that live to love and support one another.

Do we really feel so strongly about controlling what goes on in other peoples homes?

NorthwoodsMainiac: Very well said.

He's a liberal democrat, so it's no surprise Baldacci has an "open mind" for this sinful concept. God help our country.

"Asked if he would support a referendum on gay marriage, Baldacci said it was too early in the discussion to say". What our governor needs is a spine, rather than holding his finger in the air to see which way the wind is blowing. When are we as a state going to stop trying to emulate others. Let the people vote on this. Read your mail governor and you will see which way the wind is blowing.

Do you mean the BALD Gay Bald- ARCHIE ?

I don't care what they do in the closet. It shouldn't be out in the open. Sure as he** shouldn't have gay marriage.

Juddy53 wrote: "artficial insimunation"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHAAAAHHHAHHHHHAHHAAAAAAAAHHHAHA...!!!!

HAHAHHAHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHAHHHHHHHAAAAAA!!!!

a haaa ha. ...ha ha ah....haa.... whew.

What? You just fall of the idiot truck?

Maine Gov. John Baldacci doesn't have a spine. You elected him now you will have to live with his spineless views. I don't have a problem with gays getting married or civil unions or what ever...they don't last. These people can not be true to one partner. They have to have mutilple partners. Why do you think we have aids. Watch the show the L Word...gay couples having loving relationships in one hour and in the next hour are out on the balcony having sex with another gay or lesbian. I know marriages between a man and woman are far from perfect and do have their problems also, but we are producing a generation that doesn't care anymore about moral values or themselves. Look....a marriage contract is not going to improve or make a loving relationship work. Gays and Lesbians need to realize that if you are in a loving relationship than grasp on to that and make it work as I have in my 39 year marriage to my wife. If you think a marriage contract is going to make your relationship better and you will be happier longer than you are living in fantasy land. Once gays are allowed to marry, will not stop there. They will want something else than...its a whining process that they have to have in their lives. I have a sign in my living room that states, "Thou Shalt Not Whine" in other wards, stop your whining and grow up for a change. Maine's Govenor hasn't got to that point in his life yet, so don't expect him to make any sound decisions while he still has a pacifier in his mouth.

Because they do it does not make it morally correct. We have moved so far from our christian roots and molded what we want into it as acceptable that it is not even recognizable as our christian faith.

Special interests have cried descrimination so loud even things we know wrong in our soul is deemed ok. Look at the Man Boy Love Association.....

It is an association supporting the relations between grown men and teenage boys. Believe it or not this group is and has been legally represented and protected by civil rights groups. Is this morally right, not only no...he** no. But it is accepted.

Gays have been given equal billing for the reasons of being able to be put on their mates benefits at work, etc. Special interest has no reason to stop because and they will not, most Americans have become accostomed to saying, we can not stop it. I call bull, we are being driven and can stop the ride at anytime, by standing up and takeing your State and Country back. I say marriage is set in faith not by state or government. Seperation of church and state is fine until a special interest group wants change..... Soon you will see business will have to hire a certain percentage of gays, as now with women, minorities, etc. Not individuals that are qualified for the job, just have to be the correct, sexual prefrence, color or persuation.

You want gay marriage? Vermont is only a short frive....have at it.

Leave my State alone

I knew it...Baldi is gay! Thats why he lost so much weight...AIDS!

I knew it...Baldi is Gay! That is why he lost so much weight...He has AIDS!

Hi Sledman I am not sure it is appropriate for the entire state to decide whether or not I can have the legal document of a marriage certificate. There is a lot of misinformation, ridiculous stereotypes, and outright lies going on out there. First-how can we be sure that people are voting with the true facts in hand? Second-why, really, should people I have never met and will never meet, be in a position over me to make such a decision that is so important in my life?

Also, I must point out the common misperception of the Maine Domestic Registry. I am copying a clear explanation that is taken from the MS Word document available here (http://maine.gov/dhhs/bohodr/documents/domstcpartnrshpbrchr%5B1%5D.doc). It says the following: "It is important to remember that a registered domestic partnership is NOT the same as a marriage and does not entitle partners to rights other than those for which the registry was intended. This registry is intended to allow individuals to have rights of inheritance as well as the rights to make decisions regarding disposal of their deceased partners remains." It is unfortunate that people seem to think that having "equal" rights in regards to death is good enough for us.

Joe

safedeman-Granting me the right to marry has nothing to do with NAMBLA. I am sure there are other depraved groups out there that consist of straight people who love little children, but that doesn't have any bearing on your relationship with your spouse (assuming you are, indeed, straight).

As for your other points-those are entirely different matters that have nothing to do with marriage. In fact, businesses now do not have such quotas-only in certain cases-not all businesses everywhere as you imply. If there were such a quota to be put into effect, I'll be right there beside you to fight it as I believe that right man or woman for the job is the one who is best qualified. But again-that has no bearing on letting me marry my boyfriend. And it certainly has nothing do to with the separation of church and state.

Telling me to move to Vermont to get married? That's nice. But it won't change the fact that we will have it here, and soon, and I will bet you that your life will experience ZERO change when it does happen.

frostheev's comment is ignorant and asinine. Equating homosexuals with AIDS in 2009 shows a lack of intelligence that is mind-boggling.

Joe

Downeastdave, your post was excellent, and I agree 100%. If people would just mind their own business and not worry about what their neighbor, niece, or whoever wants to marry, than things would be fine. You don't have to like it or agree to it, just learn to tolerate it. Who is anyone to say that gay people shouldn't have the same rights that heterosexuals do? I really just don't understand why this is really anybody's business. This is the same mentality that tolerated slavery, didn't want women to have the right to vote, and didn't want the civil rights movement to succeed.

When I mentioned tolerance in my earlier post... I meant tolerance for ALL. Yes, Christianity is often looked down upon. I beleive this reaction is not a response to religion in general. Faith and Spirituality are inherently good. The response is rather to the televangelists and other fundamentalists who push and push THEIR often inflammatory values. BOTH sides need to reject the speech of division and hate (which is obvious in some of the posts here!).

Those who are religious have the individual freedom to choose their faith. Think about that when you deny others their freedom.

Floridan-keep in mind that, just as not all conservative are the same, not all liberals and gays are the same. I, too, do not like the one-sided view in the media. But why should that have anything to do with allowing me to marry my boyfriend?

Joe

I've taken some excerpts from John McArthur on a " Nation in Crisis" If you care at all about America please read this!

The current election indicates a division in our country, and we have been hearing that repeatedly through the media, television and radio and in print, that our country is greatly divided. Our country is greatly divided....The division that disturbs us is about...the Bible. It's about morality as defined by the Scripture. It's about Christianity and its place in American society. And to be honest, the current Democratic agenda is pro-abortion...pro-homosexual, pro-lesbian, pro-feminist, anti-Christian, and exclusive of Biblical standards. Essentially, no true Christian can support that agenda. It's a new day in America. What we're seeing in America is the death of morality. What we're seeing in America is the death of Biblical standards. What we're seeing is the displacement of Christianity. Morality and Biblical commitment are fading in our nation, and fading before our very eyes.

But, folks, this is history, and history inexorably repeats itself. And the cynicism of the preacher in Ecclesiastes is justified when he said there is nothing new under the sun. And he went on to say that history is an endless cycle of repetition. "That which has been is now; that which is to be has already been," he said. And we are now in the cycle. Men and nations follow the same path from glory to dust...from the heights to the depths...from great achievement to destruction...The beginnings are bright, and the beginnings are hopeful and filled with promise. But there's always the slide and the drift, the spiritual entropy that takes over in a fallen world and catapults nations downward and downward into destruction. In fact, every baby born is a living illustration of the inevitable course of men and nations. Every baby is a single illustration, beginning in the loveliness of innocence and infancy, and moving through childhood and all of its bright, shining hope and, finally, to adulthood and decline through maturity to the sad reality of death.

Our own nation is on that same path. America is caught in the doomsday cycle that has caught every nation and will until the Lord comes and establishes the glory of His own Kingdom. We are a dying nation in a world of dying nations and dying people.

And for us, in America, it's hard to swallow, because we had a particularly bright infancy. It all began with such a primitive beauty. It all began with people coming here to this great land to seek out freedom. Freedom to express their love to Christ in a community of people who were devoted to the Word of God. It was in that context that we established our Constitution. It was in that context that we established our Bill of Rights. It was in that context that we designed our government with all of its wonderful freedoms. It was in that context that we established our churches and our schools and our legal system.

The Bible was held high, and the Bible was the source of all truth and authority for life, both private and public. And God was at the center of our activity, and His name is even on our coinage. Worshiping God was a way of life, and churches was the...churches were the hub of communities. There were great preachers and wonderful schools for teaching Scripture. And they all had a...a central place in the life of this nation. There was a standard, and there was a norm, and there was an absolute. And it was the Word of God...

Certainly, in our own country, we can see a parallel with grasping materialism. That's what's driving this economy. And people today seem to be more concerned about how much money they have than truth and morality, don't they?...I...I read an article one time that said America is like an unloved child with an ice cream cone - fat, full of pimples, and screaming for more...

Materialistic grasping, greedy, indulgent, possessive, and there's some quote unquote Christians who join in this materialism by preaching the false prosperity Gospel that Jesus wants you rich, and they're getting rich in the process. We are worshipping the golden calf...and the church is like Aaron, aiding and abetting it...We're not called to stockpile. We are called to share and to give. We can enjoy the riches of what God gives us as long as we have an open hand and an open heart to those in need. And to give to God Himself.

And, again, you look at our country, and you look at the sin, and it's just absolutely staggering. Peoples' lives so full of sin they can't carry it themselves. They have to put it in a wagon and hitch themselves up to it and drag it around. It is promoted in every avenue of media. It is promoted in every realm of education. This massive burden of iniquity. But it's not just sin. It's defiant.

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" This is that sin of overturning everything...And we're living in that society. Fornication is good. Restraint is bad. Homosexuality is good. Lesbianism is good. Divorce is good... The reversal of everything. Doesn't even matter that you tell the truth anymore. Lying is better if it achieves your goal...Loving God is bad, because it's politically incorrect... Believing in Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation is bad, because it's unloving and narrow. Subversion of everything. Twisting and perverting of everything. Lifting up the wrong standards, exalting adultery, manipulating the truth, or even setting it aside for the sake of lies, fornication, homosexuality, lust, mocking faithfulness, mocking purity, mocking marriage, moral disintegration, dirty movies, dirty books, dirty television, twisting, perverting, trying to establish a whole new morality...

Well, we've rejected the Bible. Now what have we got left? Polls...surveys. Everybody is clever in their own sight. Wise in their own eyes. Giving their own opinion. We're left to that, aren't we?...The only right or wrong we understand is whatever the poll tells us. So it was in Israel. Can you imagine after all that Israel had, this is where they ended up? Well, this is where we ended up after all we had. And arrogant conceit marks us. We sit around with a smirk of self-congratulation as conceited fools who don't know how stupid we are. And then we have the polls that give us the sum of collective fools...

And, folks, back to where I started. That is what is so painful about what we're seeing in America today. We are holding on in the hopes that there is still a majority of people...who believe in the Biblical morality, and a place with a Christian faith. But it's hanging by a thread...and it's in decline...I don't know how it's all gonna turn out this election, but I know precisely where it's going, because the judgment of God has already begun.

Our Father, as we look at the Word, we are again amazed at its relevance, at its impact...It gives us the clearest understanding of what we're seeing today, and we watch the politicians, and we listen to the commentators and the lawyers, and we're struck by how little they understand what's going on. This nation is in the throes of its death...We've come through the brightness of our infancy, and now we're in the death struggle...We're going down...And it's not political and economic, and it's not partisan...It's the rise of sin, defiant sin...and the disregard for Your Word that is taking us down...

We see that, and we know that You are honored and glorified, even in Your judgment. But we pray that at a crucial time like this, critical time, we might understand our responsibility...and be used by You as was the Prophet Isaiah...to bring about salvation...even in this great time of crises. We look forward to what You will say to us again tonight. In your Son's name. Amen.

markko looks to me like you r the one who just fell off some idiot truck .. Might I need ask you too ,, WHO's your daddy. Or are both of your mommies one of your daddies?

Hey flyfishing, you should probably check into some things before post opinions and attempt to make them into facts. AIDS came from Africa, not gay men. They only had the entire stigma of the disease placed on them. Intravenus drug users sharing needles spread the disease without being blamed as much as gay men.

Are you serious with L word??? IT IS A SHOW, for entertainment purposes only. Who are you Dan Quayle, blaming Murphy Brown for the downfall of marriage and being a single mom glorifier? LMFAO

How do you know for facts that gay and lesbians cannot make commitments to each other? Divorces have been around ALOT longer than same sex marriage, so I wonder WHO is unable to commit?

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

Gov. John Baldacci will just do what his money backers tell him to do.

4him2day,,,,, very well put and in 100% agreement with you ,,, and by the way you are a good godly semaritan for the boots you sent me are verey much needed and are keeping my feet dry and warm. Another event in life to know that there is a GOD. I didn't know you and you didn't know me across the land but he knew us both .he knew what you had and what i needed. ,,so therefore in my close I must say Thanks and praise to you GOD the great creator of all things ,people man and woman and the creator of marriage, unity as one and growth of humankind by opposite sex only.

Northwoodsmaniac

Your definition of family is a little backward don't you think?

Have you ever heard of a man and a woman and children being defined as a family?

You sir are part of the problem. People like you make me sick to my stomach. Where do you live? In a potato mound?

Good post 4HIM. When is BDN going to stop reporting on this crap. Baldacci is now officially a moron in my book.

I knew that we were in for TROUBLE when BALDACCI got into OFFICE..Leave Maine alone.Let it be GOD'S Country the way things are suspost to be.If same sex want to get married then put them all on an island & let them make a fool of them selfs together !!!!!!!!!!!

"...And to be honest, the current Democratic agenda is pro-abortion...pro-homosexual, pro-lesbian, pro-feminist, anti-Christian, and exclusive of Biblical standards." This subject produces the biggest load of nonsense imaginable. First, the Democratic Agenda is not anti-christian, just anti the perverted version of Christianity this gentleman promotes. Second, the Democratic Agenda is to implement and fulfill the promise of our Constitution. You know the founding charter of our society. The one that talks about equal rights, freedom of religion, and all those other quaint principles of republican government. Third, jihadists be they Christian or Muslim or any other religion have no place in a society built on the Constitution. Morality and Biblical committment have no place in America if they contradict the Constitution.

No one with a brain expects that being allowed to marry will make gay relationships better (actually gay couples probably stay together longer than straights with their 50% divorce rate). What gays and lesbians expect is the same 1400 special rights only granted only to hetersexual couples through marriage. That's what this is about. The opponents of this measure want to bully, assault, and harm gays, to oppress them now and in the future. Supports want to grant to gays first class citizenship which they have not enjoyed for the last 232 years.

4Him2day

Congratulations, you now have a deciple in bigfootinheels

I don't know about Jesus but, Satan will be proud.

As for Baldacci needing a spine.

You need a good prick.

You're just in luck as bigfootinheels is a prick in name only.

You're going to have to buy him a strap on Dildoe if you want him to service you as the other kind.

Oh, and be sure to buy the Dildoe the size of a gay man's piece.

They're all bigger than straight men's, you know!

And don't slip on bigfootinheels glass pie plates unless you want him to invite you to lunch

Water DEW seek it's own level, and some sinners just drown in it.

4Him2day

But, as you know; water sports are an entirely different perversion!

Juddy53, thank you for making this place even worse than it already was.

I can already smell the end of the BDN comments section, and you're doing a great job of decomposing it faster!

markko

The Bangor Daily News Comment Section has already ended.

That and the newspapers demise was brought on entirely by themselves!

I can't believe in this day and age, this is even an issue. Do you really care what 2 consenting individuals do with their lives? How does this truly affect your lives personally? You bible thumping people drive me nuts. You have your holy beliefs and that's great - more power to you -but feel free not to push it down everyone else's throat. 60 years ago, people thought it was immoral for a black man/woman to drink from the same water fountain as a white person. What's the difference here? Stop being perverts and stop thinking about only the sexual part of 2 people loving each other. Just as in a straight relationship, there is much more to it than just hoping into the sack. Maybe some day, you holier-than-thou people will let it go and let other people alone and stop making decisions for people who in now affect your meaningless, boring lives. Oh maybe I just stumbled onto something...you're lives are boring and meaningless, so you need to meddle into other peoples lives. It's so clear now.....

Mainely

Stalking me??

From post to post??

OH THAT'S RIPE! CODE BROWN!!!! CODE BROWN!!!!!

Floridan, Juddy, 4Him, etc...The United States is NOT a "Christian nation", no matter how much you want it to be. Cry me a river, build a bridge, and get over it. Millions of Americans are of other faiths, or (gasp!) no faith. I am an atheist, and guess what? I'm a nice guy who's never gotten in trouble anywhere, with a fun job, great friends, and family that I love. If I see someone who needs help, I'll try to help in any way I can. But one does NOT need a cross and a two-millennia-old work of fiction to lead an exemplary life.

bigfootinheels

It's all in your mind and there's plenty of room there because, nothing else is taking up any space.

You'll never have my beautiful body so why don't you just give it up?

I can't spell it but, as the saying goes; Martsy Mard!

Oh, in any language you already DEW!

Perley's on a bender.

He's been up since 2 p.m yesterday. Watch out, CODE BROWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CODE BROWN!!!!!!!!!!!!

juddy53 I think you need to find a good woman,It might make you more happy in life.I would hate to be your hubby..Everyone just needs to let people be who they are.No one is hurting anyone by loving who they want to love and share life with someone who loves them too.

It takes a lot of turds to turn Perley's stomach!! He can vouch for that!!!

KABOOM!!!! geez that was a big one.

THUMBS DOWN TO BIBLE THUMPERS!!!

KEEP THE FRED PHELPS' OF THE WORLD OUT OF MAINE!!!

And have fun laughing at them while we're at it!

http://www.bay-of-fundie.com/

Bible thumpers have ruined BDN comments!

Wow! There's some good stuff here! Isn't it almost time to put Mainelyme in a cage? For the public good? Mainelyme, do you hide under the bathrooms on the I-95 rest stops and watch people relieve themselves?

bigfootinheels

Yes, you're certainly a big one.

Tell me, did you save your mother and father's dead bodies for sexual purposes?

There's a name for that, too!

What a stupid issue. Isnt there anything more important than gay marriage?And Ms.Voice of God,What does god say about multiple marriages? Isnt there something in the bible about if your husband dies and there is no spawn,then the woman has to marry the brother of the husband? IKKKKK..Who except christians,even care?.Christians are not the majority. That this is even an issue in 2009 is an embarrassment.

Let's drop gay marraige along with taxes.

Why is Juddy53's comments still viewable? She can barely make a sentence and her posts are filled with derogatory and hateful words. People, it only makes you look ignorant and useless when you come into a forum for discussion and all you do is call the opposing views names and other disrespectful things. It doesn't help your side of the argument one bit, just like making up statistics and trying to quote scripture when people have different religions and views on spirituality. Discuss the topic at hand like grown adults using your brain matter. Jeesh.

If what is written here by some people is a reflection of the lifestyle or the way they behave in their own personal life and what they want to promote in the homosexual lifestlye than gay marriage should not be encouraged or legalized. There are some posts here that are totally disgusting and they do not belong here or in the main stream lifestyle. The more some of you write the more you give us reason to fight this tooth and nail.

In a way I want to thank you for your disgusting posts. Thank you for giving me a glimpse of the lifestyle and the mind set. To tell you the truth it has been an eye opener. Now I know...

Elizabethann: It looks to me like the most disgusting posts (certainly the most ill-informed ones) are coming from your side of the argument.

And to carlshedderly: No, this is not a stupid issue. It may be a non-issue to many people, but it's very important to us in the gay community and to our supporters.

I'd sure like to know what gays/lesbians keep doing 'in public' that some of you have a problem with -when was the last time on Main St., ______ ,Maine you saw anything and what town was it in ---- I must live in the wrong area.

correction SEACOAST you wingnut, Mainelyme is not on Elizabethanns side.

are you really that stupid?

don't be so gay seacoast.

why don't you guys just take the hint and leave the rest of society alone. we don't want your style out in the open.

keep it in the closet and try to act like you have some dignity and self respect.

lyndenmi could teach you a thing or two about respecting other people.

you should talk to her about how to conduct yourself in public.

Elizabethann - please go back and read the comments of Juddy53, theguywiththebeer, frostheev, and coldinmaine. I think you'll find that is where the disgusting comments started.

bigfoot - what is it that you have seen in public on Main St. _______, Maine?

One doesn' have to go to main st USA, look at the disgusting picture on the bdn almost daily of two men about to lip lock, "claiming to be a poll" on gay marriage.

seacoast - they don't realize or want to know why this issue is important to us - they have all the rights and protections afforded by the Constitution. Because of this they feel they have the right to keep it for themselves. What is important is that we have the backing of many organizations, including the NAACP, churches and many straight people in this state.

bigfoot: I don't recall making any reference to mainelyme. But thanks for trying to stay on top of things. Love those angry posts...keep 'em coming :)

4Him - that paid advertising - and who says they are really gay? Actors have taken gay/lesbian parts for many, many years.

4Him - have you ever seen with your own eyes, in real life, gays and or lesbians kissing or holding hands or hugging in public - the affectionate gestures that heterosexual couples do?

yes, with my very own eyes....in real life.

lyndemni: I want to respect the opposing viewpoint, I really do. But they so often resort to bad temperament to make up for lack of logical rebuttal. Sort of a bully-pulpit mentality.

OK, to the opponents of gay marriage.

Please tell us when you sat down as a teenager at your kitchen table did you decide to adopt the heterosexual lifestyle. Because if its a lifestyle choice for gays then it is also for straights.

The Iowa Supreme Court decision found that the opponents of gay marriage had presented not one issue that formed a rational basis for denying gay marriages i.e. their presentation was nonsence.

seacoast/lynd, go to 10:07,he's one of yours, not only gay but also a cross dresser. Explain him to the children!

4him...I've seen people that I considered to be quite unattractive lip-locking in public. The "eww" factor was pretty high. But you know what? That's my problem. They seemed to be very happy and in love. Good for them. If I don't want to watch their public affections, I can just look away.

And so can you.

4him: I don't understand cross-dressers, so I'm afraid I can't begin to explain why they do it. I could take the time to learn about it, I guess. But it's never really interested me. I don't know anyone who is a cross-dresser and I have a lot of gay friends.

To me, cross-dressing and cross worshipping are equally confusing.

Still do not think Special interst groups should get special treatment.

hey seacoast

it's only after weeks of logical rebuttal that the gloves come off.

you just haven't been around long enough.

people like lyndenmi are what you call "low impact' gays

seacoast, I bet you could be considered "high impact"

like I have said for weeks, keep the unclean acts out of view of our children. is that really that hard to understand, not logical enough for you??

Please TRY to explain how you're going to do that with gay marriage. Now remember, I'm not talking about civil rights, I'm talking about gay marriage.

WOW! Imagine that, Gov. Baldacci not taking a stand one way or the other. This has seemed to be a commmon theme his whole time in Augusta. Please Mr. Baldacci take a stance, I would have much more respect for you even if I don't agree with your view. It is really lame that you have to wait and see which way public opinion is blowing before you make up your empty mind. Lame my friend..... L.A.M.E.

safedman: Please explain what you mean by "special treatment". We're (gays) asking for equal treatment with regards to marriage. Nothing more, that I'm aware of.

The opposition always seems to like using the word “special” when gay equality is being discussed. Remember all those “Stop Special Rights” bumper stickers?

Equality is about being equal, not special.

OK, so if we make Gay Marriage legal and state that it should be just between TWO people, what's to say we won't be changing the laws in oh let's say 1-2 years to represent marriage can be between THREE folks, let's start changing laws and we can continue to change them at the drop of a hat. What's to stop paligomy next all!!!

jonalbrecht, so your trying to convince us that not one issue formed a rational basis..all nonsense, more lies on your part.

Andersen v. King County 138 P.3d 963 (Wash.

2006):

“[A]s Skinner, Loving, and Zablocki indicate,

marriage is traditionally linked to procreation

and survival of the human race. Heterosexual

couples are the only couples who can produce

biological offspring of the couple. And the

link between opposite-sex marriage and

procreation is not defeated by the fact that the

law allows opposite-sex marriage regardless of

a couple’s willingness or ability to procreate.

The facts that all opposite-sex couples do not

have children and that single-sex couples raise

children and have children with third party

assistance or through adoption do not mean

that limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples

lacks a rational basis. Such over- or underinclusiveness

does not defeat finding a rational

basis.” (pp. 982-83).

“We conclude that limiting marriage to

opposite-sex couples furthers the State’s

interests in procreation and encouraging

families with a mother and father and children

biologically related to both.” (p. 985)

Citizens for Equal Prot. v. Bruning, 455 F.3d

859 (8th Cir. 2006):

“We hold that § 29 and other laws limiting the

state-recognized institution of marriage to

heterosexual couples are rationally related to

legitimate state interests and therefore do not

violate the Constitution of the United States.”

(p. 871).

“The court further held that the Nebraska

amendment defining marriage as the union of

a man and a woman was related to the state’s

interest in ‘steering procreation into marriage,’

through ‘laws [that] encourage procreation to

take place within the socially recognized unit

that is best situated for raising children.’

Wilson v. Ake, 354 F. Supp. 2d 1298 (M.D. Fla.

2005):

“Plaintiffs also argue that this Court should

apply strict scrutiny in determining the

constitutionality of DOMA because it violates

the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth

Amendment. The Eleventh Circuit has held

that homosexuality is not a suspect class that

would require subjecting DOMA to strict

scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause of

the Fourteenth Amendment or the equal

protection component of the Fifth

Amendment’s Due Process Clause. Moreover,

DOMA does not discriminate on the basis of

sex because it treats women and men equally.

Therefore this Court must apply rational basis

review to its equal protection analysis of the

constitutionality of DOMA.” (pp. 1307-08)

(citations omitted).

“[T]his court … is bound by the Eleventh

Circuit’s holding that encouraging the raising

of children in homes consisting of a married

mother and father is a legitimate state interest.

. . . DOMA is rationally related to this

Standhardt v. Superior Court 77 P.3d 451

(Ariz. App. Div. 1, 2003) (review denied 2004

Ariz. LEXIS 62, May 25, 2004):

“We hold that the State has a legitimate

interest in encouraging procreation and childrearing

within the marital relationship, and that

limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples is....

you get the point, I could site example after example.

blah blah blah...

Now this bible thumper wants to end all marriages that don't produce offspring (for that is the stupid point of your post)... Forget the fact that there are straight married couples all over the lad where there are no children. Stupid argument is stupid. So sayeth the Iowa Supreme Court.

THUMBS DOWN TO BIBLE THUMPERS WITH NOTHING TO DEFEND THEMSELVES BUT LIES AND FANTASY!!!

seacoast, your 4:31 post. This has nothing to do with whether people are attractive or not, two people of the opposite sex kissing is an every day normal thing. Two men together is not only abnormal but immoral as well. I shouldn't have to look away, make the children as young as 5 learn to accept this as normal. This should never happen in maine or anywhere else. This needs to be put to vote by the public.

bigfoot: I don't know what "unclean" acts you refer to, so I can’t really answer your question.

I would think explaining close-minded people like you to kids would prove to be a daunting task, much more so than teaching acceptance of people who are different.

Kids learn much from their parents. Let us hope that most see the larger picture and not the narrow view.

4Him2day: by who's definition would this act be immoral? Do you really think that if you think it's immoral and I don't, that I am wrong?

LYNDENMI

Unfortunately, I spend more time out of Maine with my wife and kids than I do here. My children are well travelled. I've seen what goes on in cities around the country, I just don't want Maine St. Maine to end up like that.

Same-sex marriage and interracial marriage are nothing alike. Segregation was an evil social problem. Marriage as an exclusively heterosexual union is profound social good. Racism was about power and suppression . . . about keeping the races apart, and that is wrong. Marriage is about bringing male and female together, and that is good. Marriage has nothing to do with race. It has everything to do with a husband and wife working together to create and care for the next generation.

Striking down bans on interracial marriage affirmed marriage by saying that any woman has a right to marry any man. Same-sex marriage redefines marriage — saying men and women are optional for the family.

And what is more, it is a very different thing for a child

to say, “I have a black mother and a white father, than to say, “I have two moms and no father.”

There is no research showing interracial parenting is developmentally harmful to children, but literally thousands of studies indicate that children are hindered developmentally when they are denied their mothers or fathers.2

What is most troubling about this argument is it implies that people who value the necessary contributions men and women bring to marriage are bigots. This is a vile implication and has no place in civil discourse!

Sectar, by Gods definition.

4him: When using the word "immoral", please at least limit it to your opinion and don't make it sound so absolute. I doubt that anyone on this forum who supports marriage equality considers same-gender intimacy to be immoral.

Look at the numbers of gays. It is part of nature and very normal to us. This is nothing new. You can fight it all you want with you biblical teachings, but the truth is...we aren't going back into closet. We're out. For good.

Better get used to seeing two guys kissing. Or wear bigger blinders.

Oh Sectar

Are you one of those spreading the "relative moral" propoganda??

Please explain that to me.

seacoast

another relative moral propogandist. let me guess you don't have to answer to anybody do you??

bigfoot: Why not answer Sectar's question for yourself? I'd like to see your response. Do your moral beliefs trump his on this issue? Or mine? Why?

But I don't believe in God, so to me yours is an irrelevant, worthless point. (shrug)

seacoast, first of all let's call it what it is homosexual marriage, not marriage equality. I believe in absolute truths in moral issues, you don't. I don't expect this to go away, in fact i know it isn't going to. You and lyndenmi are trying to pull people in an opposite direction than me. That's what this post is for, expressing our different views. I don't expect to change your view, you and I have been over this many times.

Bigfoot: Not really sure what "relative moral" propoganda is, sorry. I am just passing along how I feel, that is still ok correct? even if you don't agree with it?

My moral beliefs. Listen mr "relative morality" I don't claim to set the moral laws up, and you know what? nobody else can either.

They were set up by God.

That's your problem, you don't think you'll have to answer to anyone.

You just keep on keeping on, you'll get what you want here on earth. But you'll end up paying a dear price in the end. Living a homosexual lifestyle is living in sin constantly. Being a homosexual however is not a sin. Your actions make you sinners, just like my actions make me a sinner. We're all judged under the same law.

The majority of us will admit that. You on the other hand will deny it to suit your personal needs. Must be a fine life you lead. The more and more you bring this crap out into the open for our innocent children to see, the harder it's going to be. We're only going to stand for so much of it. It's a threat to our traditional families and society as a whole.

I know you don't sectar, even if you wanted to you couldn't have a relationship with him while you were carrying out homosexual activities. So you're really in trouble.

Let's take God out of it for a second.

Why is it that you can't see that we don't want our children exposed to homosexual behaviour? Why is it that you cannot get that through your thick skulls?

Bigfoot: Just like there are Democrats and Republicans, there are also people who do and don't believe in God, You are aware I assume that the vast majority of the entire planet doesn't believe in God. If you want to you can, that what makes our country so great, however don't apply your rules to everyone. To me you might as well be typing these posts in Arabic when you start talking about the bible and God because it does not compute for me.

Homosexual activities? Please don't assume you know me. I am a happily married father of 2, and yes I am a male and my wife is a female. And no, I don't need to have a relationshiop with a "higher being" to lead a moral and happy life. To your point of taking God out of the picture: Please really explain what effect the homosexual behavior will have on your children. Because honestly, whatever way you feel about the issue, I think that is the big question, and none of us may really know the answer.....

OK halfwit how does this compute

In Iran they stone homosexuals to death.

How's that for a clear message.

Worldwide it's not a morally acceptable behaviour.

Sectar

Sorry, you talk like you're gay.

And if you don't already know how homosexual behaviour influences children than you don't have a good understanding of children in general. Some of us would like to teach our children about morals. Some of us would like to keep our childrens innocence protected from the vile outside world for as long as possible. It's that simple Chum. You do what you want with your kids, make sure to get them exposed to as much gay activity as possible to be sure and prove your point to yourself. MTV is a great place to start, if you don't get enough there, the Maine Mall can substitute.

Well, first of all you didn't answer the question, so you don't really know the answer. Secondly, you have now lost your perspective and have been reduced to name calling....classy. And lastly, if you are using the country of Iran as your moral compass.....I really don't know what to say to that.

Sectar, are you new to these posts? I've cited numerous examples almost daily on the effects of this. Google the states that now have it and you will see for yourself the problems this has caused.

If we say marriage is not about husband and wife, mother and father, where do we stop in our redefinition? Andrew Sullivan, a homosexual writer, says, “The right to marry whomever you wish is a fundamental civil right.”3

Really?

What would he say to Jonathan Yarbrough and Cody Rogahn? They were the first couple on May 17, 2004, to get a same-sex marriage license in Provincetown, Mass. When the media asked Yarbrough about their relationship, he said, “I think it’s possible to love more than one person and have more than one partner. . . . In our case, it is. We have an open marriage.”4 What will we tell these men when they want to bring their new love interests into their marriage? When Cheryl Jacques, former director of the homosexual lobbying group Human Rights Campaign (HRC), was asked why same-sex marriage wouldn’t lead to multiple-party marriages, she said “because I don’t approve of that.”5 Wow! Here’s our question for Cheryl: “How come your disapproval of polygamy is more reasonable than my disapproval of same-sex marriage?” Thought Control? Same-sex marriage is not about tolerance; same-sex homes are tolerated in society. This is about forcing everyone to accept these experimental families. Here’s another question: If same-sex marriage is legalized, could the statement, “children need a mother and father” be deemed hate speech? It is becoming exactly that in Massachusetts.

Swedish Pastor Ake Green was threatened with prison for preaching from the Bible about homosexuality.

Only months after same-sex marriage became legal in some parts of Canada, legislators there passed a law that carries a maximum two-year jail sentence for saying certain things

about homosexuals.

Heather Has Two Mommies K-12

And what about classroom materials? Imagine that

your children’s reading books will show Suzie going to

feed the ducks hand-in-hand with her two dads. But the

ducks — because we can’t get away from nature — will be

in male/female pairs!

Consider a recent National Public Radio story from Boston. An eighth-grade teacher there teaches about gay sex “thoroughly and explicitly.” When asked if parents complained about their children learning such explicit material, this teacher said, “Give me a break. It’s legal now.”6

Religious Freedom

Don’t be surprised, either, when churches are forced to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies.

Does anyone really believe the ACLU will not challenge churches when they refuse to honor their “constitutionally protected” same-sex marriage? In fact, the Catholic church is being challenged in Canada because a local parish refused to rent out their church reception hall when they learned the reception was for a lesbian couple.7 The fact is, once same-sex marriage is legalized, there is no logical stopping point. When you tear marriage away from its moorings, the ship can drift anywhere.

Ah, I see what you mean 4Him.... http://www.religioustolerance.org/hom_mar13.htm. Thank you for the tip, very interesting.

Marriage is a civil issue, not a religious one.

Religious people SCARE me...

What kind of people are running this state when they keep a open mind to this kind of sin.IT IS WRONG VOTE NO NEVER IN MAINE Are there any real men in the state house.

Beelzebubba: Fear the Lord

The issue of Gay marriage isn't about tolerance. It's about control. As soon as these immoral laws and behaviors are allowed it will become against the law to speak against such behavior. The gay community and those that support it are not tolerant. They simply want you to accept it and not have a voice against it. As a former homosexual I know what goes on with in the ranks of militant homosexuals. Your children are next people. Wake up. Were is the line that defines what is right and wrong anymore? What will be someones arguement for love and acceptance next? Here doggie, here doggie!

Elizabethann

I'm happy for you that you got a sexual thrill from the foul mouth Degenerate wh wear high heeled shoes, and now you won't vote for same sex marriage even if you had considered it.

You never considered it and were just lookin for any bit of nastiness on a decent Christian's part to be able to say so.

And this being Holy Thursday, the most blessed and sacred time in the entire Christian calendar.

Shame on you and woe be to your very soul for thinking such evil evil thoughts against your good neighbors.

Never mind, dear you and 4Him2Day and SharonFaith have a devoted convert in the guy who wears high heels shoes, and that's really all that you need to speed all of you on your merry way.

He professes to be a Roman Catholic, too. So much so that he corrupts the mind of his imaginary children and calls "perfect" strangers some very odd names.

Before you know it you'll all be down on your knees slinging glass pie plates and the contents thereof, sexually abusing his imaginary children, throwing jealous fits at decent folks and having sex with the body of his dead mother.

Remember, as Good Friday once again dawns anew tonight at 12 o clcock, you are known by the company you keep and the supossedly manly person with big feet wearing small high heels iprofesses to be the strongest Holy Roman Catholic of them all.

Then of course there is his equally sacriligious friends Stevie and his imaginary friend David but, don't bother about them as Stevee's name David Albertson makes him sound Jewish!

Don't most women want their orgasms to be caused by men?

Most of the problem is that we have minded our own business for too long and allowed special interest to push this country to the point of breaking. What you want and what you need are 2 different things. The right for 2 consenting adults to do what they please behind closed doors has never been questioned, and has in most places been allowed. Your assumed need to be recognized for being gay is a self fulfilling need. Marriage has been between a man and a woman since the dawn of man, and I say if it is not broke it does not need fixing.

You say that your being allowed to Marry will not effect me? Do you mean like the time I had to explain to my 7 year old daughter why the man behind the counter at TJ Max was wearing a dress, make-up, but was bald. i do not need you choosing when and where I need to speak to my children. You want to fight for something, try world hunger and child abuse

This lifestyle is sick and twisted .Vote NO NO NO NO NO NO NO.NEVER IN MAINE Come on people wake up.What is going on in this world when they want to kill unborn babies and when men want to marry men and we are to say that is alright.And that little man in the state house wants to keep a open mind what are we???????? A nation where we kill our children and marry our own gender .What is wrong with you people you must be following the devil right straight to hell.You Baldacci need to be a man and stand up for what,s right and not say I will keep a open mind what kind of person are you? You were voted in to up hold the laws not destory the state with your slots and land fills and gay lifestyles you need to step down or stand up for whats right.I yet to see you stand up to the abortion issue and say stop the madness .NO I will keep a open mind on this issue where is the leader ship.What about the job issues what are you doing about that .Come on man be brave and stand up for the law no need to make new ones .We have more than enough laws already lay the law makers off see how they like it .They are wasting tax payers money and we are not happy ask the people there are a lot of people mad at what going on in this state .Person after person say they are not happy with how our state is run.

I've been adding comments on this issue and related issues for a while. I have seen many sides - not just two. What I have seen is that those who oppose homosexual rights and same-sex marriage use 'homosexual activities/acts' etc as their main argument - it is quite clear to me that it is they all revolve around "sex". When I was married to a male, sex acts (many of which I did not want to submit to but felt it was my duty) included many of the same acts that many elude to - the fact is that many heterosexual couples consent to these same acts. I don't know what you practice in the privacy of your own relationships or homes and I do not care as long as they are consensual and not forced. I do believe that a loving and compassionate relationship between two people is a gift. I know that many of you cannot or will not look at the love between tow people but only what you perceive happens in our intimate relationships.

THUMBS DOWN TO CRAZY BIBLE THUMPERS AND MORAL HOLY ROLLERS!!!

So, abortion is "killing unborn babies" and that's bad. But going over to Iraq and Afghanistan and killing BORN children is perfectly alright. Sick sick sick...

And that is the hypocrisy of the moral right. Insane thumpers every one. Sick sick sick...

http://www.fstdt.com/fundies/top100.aspx?archive=1

"Our Father, which art in Heaven"

Hallowed be thy Name"

Thy kingdom come"

Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven"

Give us this day our daily bread"

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us"

And lead us not into temptation"

But deliver us from evil"

AMEN

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen "

AMEN

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want

He makes me down to lie

Through pastures green he leadeth me the silent waters by

With bright knives he releaseth my soul

He maketh me to hang on hooks in high places

He converteth me to lamb cutlets

For lo,m he hath great power and great hunger

When cometh the day we lowly ones

Through quiet reflection and great dedication

Master the art of karate

Lo, we shall rise up

And then we'll make the bugger's eyes water."

AMEN

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray the Lord my soul to keep

If I should die before I wake

I pray the Lord my soul to take

Amen

"REMEMBER TO KEEP HOLY THE SABBATH"

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;

He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

Amen.

read 1john 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning . For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil. And same gender marriage is SIN. Fear the Lord.

Hail Mary full of grace

The Lord is with thee

Blessed art thou amongst women

And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus

Holy Mary Mother of God

Pray for us sinners

Now and at the hour of our death

Amen

1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit,seen of angels,preached unto the Gentiles,believed on in the world,received up into glory.

Have a Happy Easter everyone...

Elizabethann

Happy Easter:

Try to stop nailing others to a cross!

Peace

2:38 Then Peter said unto them,Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

mousehunt - I was baptized as a child - does that count? If it doesn't do I have to do it again - even though I believe strongly in God as my heavenly father and His son Jesus?

Mainelyme ...I do it to myself also. Don't take it personally. Keeps me on track. Happy Easter.....

Elizabethann

Enjoying God's earth and its bounty is the first step to the bigger rewards of paradise.

Relax, Give Thanks, and Enjoy!

God created the universe for us not for His own vanity!

Father Perley strikes again. I bet you would have made quite a priest!

Go in pieces my son and sin no more!

You must be baptized in Jesus name.In the bible they were baptized in Jesus name . John 3:5 Jesus answered,Verily,verily ,I say unto thee,Except a man be born of the water and the Spirit,he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. In Matthew 28:19 Go therefore ,and teach all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father,and of the Son,and of the Holy Ghost. And his name is Jesus.There is only one God and his name is Jesus

OH LOOK!!

Vermont is considering legalizing teen Sexting!!

Hurray for "relative morality"

Lyndenmi, Anne_oF_MDI, Mainelyme, Chersully, Tedlick, sethayer.

You all must be so happy!!!!

Hey mousehunt, is it in God's will for you to just go get laid and stop all the chanting? I was never Baptized or Christened when I was a baby, so I guess it was God's will for me to be a lesbian, huh?

taurus

it's a choice, you're not born with it.

THUMBS DOWN TO MORONIC RIGHT-WINGERS!!!

Duhrrr... borned with it... duh... they's is borned with it... duh... duhrrrr... theys chosed to be hated bi evryone...duhrrrrr... i's is teh stupid....

Time to leave invisible friends for kids and grow the hell up!!! Christianity is a CHOICE!!! Choose rationality and logic instead!!!

CHRISTIANITY IS A HATEFUL, FEARFUL, HORRIBLE CHOICE!!!

I don't know about you BigFootInHeels but I never sat myself down and decided to be straight.

Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections:for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature.

Deuteronomy 22:5 The women shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man,neither shall a man put on a woman,s garment :for all that do are abomination unto the Lord thy God.

God is Great.And his name is Jesus.