Interesting article. But the civil union option, which the leading opponents of same-sex marraige say they don't object to, is not going to cut it.

For starters, churches that wish to wed these couples arguably have a constitutional right to do so.

And the finances for this recent campaign to prevent same-sex couples from marrying came, in great portion, from the SAME organizations that, in Washington State, seek to prevent civil unions there.

Eventually same-sex couples will wed in Maine. Equality isn't something that you can get away with depriving people of forever. I suspect that when and if we finally find out precisely where the YES on Question 1 people got all their financing, the people of Maine will be less likely to vote down another referendum designed specifically to violate both the rights of the churches that wish to marry these people, as well as the civil rights they are supposed to have, as promised under the constitution.

Interesting article. but this guy has it all wrong.

Comparing gay marriage to women's right to vote and abolishing slavery is ridiculous at best.

Women are doing nothing morally wrong by voting and blacks are doing nothing morally wrong by being black.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that individuals violating good moral standards are to be treated equal, that's why we can and do prosecute criminals.

To cast a no vote on the basis of monetary gain for the state of Maine is also ridiculous, we voted on morals here, not whether or not we can hoard money from gay people who want to use our great state to get married in.

Marriage actually means more than that to us. It's about a promise and committment that includes God and family.

These are not the reasons "no" campaigners want marriage rights. They want it for their own selfish reasons, and none of them include God and family.

These are the main reasons "no" lost.

You can't expect to openly degrade traditional marriage in a State that is full of those very people, the outcome will always be against homosexuals.

The end.

So you're telling me that where we got our finances caused you to lose the vote?

Now you're really grasping at straws.

You lost the vote because good morals are kept in high regard here in Maine.

Plain and simple.

If the rest of the population would have voted the spread would have been greater. Apathy made it close for you.

Too bad you just wouldn't fade away.

Homosexual citizens are falling in love, committing to their families and carrying on very married lives. They will not "fade away" and cannot be voted away. The power to marry is "vested" in churches by the state, (one would have thought it the other way around...) which has a profound interest in recognizing these existing unions. Homosexuality is not a "sin". Our enlightened youth allude to the dim view history will take of those who even put the legitimacy of gay marriages to a vote at all.

If the legislature and governor had signe civil unions with everything but marriage into law, we would still have had this fight as they did in Washington State. I did not hear Marc Mutty or Brian Souchet say they were in favor of everything but marriage civil unions. IN fact Mr Souchet stated that would be a discussion for a different day when he was directly asked by the moderator during a debate. I say bring on the everything but marriage civil unions this legislative session and we whill be in exactly the same place next year.

We are getting married in New Hampshire, will have the everything but marriage civil union when it comes to be in Maine. I will introduce my spouse as my wife, and we will be married. I won't be spending any money in Maine, my partner's brother who has is in a wheelchair won't be able to give her away as we had planned, and my parents who are not able to travel will not be able to attend. A great big thanks to the yes on one voters for taking away our dream.

cinnamon

no problem. anytime.

now head out.

I wouldn't blame losing this on money. Most people I know don't pay attention to these ad's.

I think they actually do more harm than good.

They may change a few minds but most people already know how they are going to vote day 1.

Could someone please point out the section and clause in the U.S. Constitution or the Bill of Rights which covers marriage?

Could someone please point to the section and clause in the U.S. Constitution that says "individuals violating good moral standards" loose their Constitutional rights?

Could someone please to the section and clause in the U.S. Constitution that says only individuals practicing good moral standards enjoy the protections of the U.S. Constitution?

I love the whole "I'll not spend money in maine" bit. Before this issue was ever voted on Maine had tourists. That will not stop. I don't see why gays should have "special" rights.

I'm sure some people want polygamy, want to be able to marry their brother or sister, or marry their dog. Gays are NOT denied the right to marry. They can marry someone of the opposite sex. That's what marriage IS. Otherwise, same sex couples can "enjoy" domestic partnerships

sure, it will change in the future after all the GLBTQ education in our tax payer funded public schools gets done with the children. people who do not believe this agenda is being pushed in schools only need to read some of the comments on other sites about waiting for the next generation to grow up and for the old people and religious people of maine to "kick off"....go read democraticunderground and get a true sense of their vision of equality.

"...path to constitutionally mandated equality..."

What a dumb statement! There is a definition for marriage. Another definition is not needed or wanted.

>>>Could someone please to the section and clause in the U.S. Constitution that says only individuals practicing good moral standards enjoy the protections of the U.S. Constitution?<<<

Actually, the immoral behavior of convicted felons is "why" they lose their constitutional rights because of the crime commited.

MaineMom73 the examples you gave have been stated and refutted time and time again...polygamy is degrading to woman and is illegal, marrying your brother and sister is illegal for genetic reasons, marrying your dog is illegal because a dog (or any animal, bird, reptile, fish, etc.) has no capacity to give consent. Some day same sex marriage will be legal in all 50 states. Don't think so? Neither did men in the late 19th and earlier 20th think women would ever have the right to vote.

Yeah, but that's your opinion. The people that want to do those things, don't see it as degrading etc. So why gays get to be a "special" group is just beyond me. It's cause they whine and cry the loudest if you ask me. Many FLDS women would disagree that polygamy is "degrading" That's like saying being gay is "degrading"

I just don't see why we should make "special" laws for this group when we aren't for others. I am SO glad we are NOT passing out rights based on a "special" group.

31 states have SHOT DOWN gay marriage by referendum! That should tell ya something IMHO. People don't want it and you can't shove it down other people's throats as much as you may want to

Tele agreed about the television and other media advertisements.....I think that both sides focused too extensively on the "school" issue and played that to death and I myself over the last few weeks have not bothered to listen to either side's ads because they never changed (the message) other than the faces in them.....IMHO if the "No" ads had centered more on the rights that are obtained thru marriage as compared to what they have now it would have given a clearer picture of what was actually desired and where the equality was lacking....I myself, in regards to the "No" vote, would have preferred to hear the actual gay couples speaking out for their rights rather that "speaking" thru hetero couples or "grandma"....(although I love grandma!)

MaineMom73 I see.

Maybe you and others should actually read the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. No where in the U.S. Constitution does it mention anything about a criminal losing their rights under the U.S. Constitution.

In the Bill of Rights the only "right" which is forfeited is the 2nd Amendment. Of the first Ten Amendments (The Bill of Right) 5 actually address those rights given to people facing court, both criminal and civil.

The very argument you and others make, that criminals lose the protection of the U.S. Constitution is the polar opposite reason why the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights exists in the first place.

The Constitution has time and time again been used to extend rights and privileges to those at greatest risk of losing them in out society.

Minorities - Amendment XIII, Amendment XIV, Amendment XV & Amendment XXIV

Women - Amendment XIV & Amendment XIX

Criminals or People Facing Criminal or Civil Charges - Amendment IV, Amendment V, Amendment VI, Amendment VII, Amendment VIII, & Amendment XIV

So as you can plainly see, those with the most to lose have the greatest protection under the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

MaineMom73 said: Actually, the immoral behavior of convicted felons is "why" they lose their constitutional rights because of the crime committed.

Are these convicted felons who lost their constitutional rights for their immoral behavior allowed to marry? Are convicted child rapists, murderers, drug lords, thieves, embezzlers, etc allowed to marry?

The Christiann Civic League filed this initiative: note the second bullet as well as the fourth

* Clarify marriage law limiting the institution of marriage to one man and one woman.

* Forbid the establishment of civil unions.

* Clarify adoption law to allow only one person, or a married couple, to adopt.

* Remove the designation "sexual orientation" from the Maine Human Rights Act.

* Eliminate funding for the Maine attorney general’s school civil rights team program.

They have stated that Question 1 was just the beginning of what they intend to accomplish.

Yes_On_1....if rights can be taken away due to immorality then why hasn't the Catholic church been banned from the United States? With all the child sexual abuse at the hands of priests if morality were something that could be legislated there would be no Catholic Church allowed in the US. All those whacky televangelists would not exist. Heck, we'd end up living in a country where all organized religion were banned.

This actually IS the same thing as women's rights and the rights of blacks in this country. Back then it was considered immoral for a woman to speak up or have an opinion. She was basically the property of men...just like blacks and slavery.

Convicted felons, even child molesters do not lose the right to marry. In fact many marry women with children in an effort to get access to children. I haven't heard one complaint from the yes side on this travesty of marriage.

Domestic partnerships are nothing to enjoy. It is equivalent to offering one set of individuals a second grade education and another set a full twelve years. I'm not going to celebrate DP as anything great. I am waiting for the full civil unions to see if it ends up on the ballot again next year.

We will have marriage equality eventually. No doubt, no doubt no doubt.

I see the yes people think it is great that disabled members of my family cannot witness my marriage. Just says more about how they think about us second class citizens.

I believe in God and marriage and family. I love my traditional marriage. However when you choose to eliminate gays and lesbians from marriage when can we also start eliminating athiest on the same beliefs? Oh right! No one is saying anything about those who have married without faith. Is that also not immoral? They too are having sex. How about your spouses who have affairs? They should never be able to marry again because they committed adultery which in the bible is a crime. Bible thumpers, go pray, pray for the release of your ill judgement. Pray for your salvation and your immoral degrading judgement against your brothers and sisters. When you look in the mirror there is no halo, no glow for a cold hearted person. You do not have the right to judge, you do not write the laws of God and only gays and lesbians and all so called law breakers of the bible (that's alll of us to some extent) will have to face God and he will decide our eternity.

Go wash someones sore feet, feed the poor, hug someone homeless and stop being judgemental and selfish as you are not GOD.

God in heaven I thank you for each day and each gift of life you have brought to this world. I thank you for all who have touched my life and heart in a profound way to make me a better person and I thank you for teaching me that you are the almighty and that I do not have to carry the burdern of deciding which of us are better servents to you. I promise to keep you close to my heart and share my overwhelming joy of life with all around me without using judgement on who deserves to be loved.

God if I am to fall ill I will not care if my care taker is gay if they care for me, If I am injured i will not care if a lesbian saves my life if she is helping me, If I give birth I will not care if my doctor who may be gay catches the life and looks into the face of my miracle, if my heart becomes weary and my hand is being held by a lesbian I do not care that this is the last hand that may hold mine because I know each moment of my life you are present and that you have sent these people (my brothers and sisters) to comfort me in pain and help me celebrate in joy and to be a wonderful part of my life.

Amen

Their is one group that live in the United States that does give up their Constitutional Rights to do the job they volunteer to do. That would be the U.S. Military which is subject to the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) and not the guarantees of the U.S. Constitution. Imagine that, they swear to preserve, protect and defend the very document which does not protect them until they hang up the uniform.

To JD2008, don't cast your statement "Some day same sex marriage will be legal in all 50 states" in cement quite yet. It has been rejected in ALL 31 states it has been voted on, by the PEOPLE of those states. The numbers are growing. Whether same sex marriage is 'moral' or not, (open to interpretation) the majority of states in this country have REJECTED it. Do not blame the church, the 'right wing', money poured into the Yes on 1 campaign (the opposing side also saw the $$$ pouring in), or any other group for the outcome of this. ACCEPT the fact that the people of our state voted on it. In other words the MAJORITY of citizens in this state rejected it. Is this majority without morals? I certainly think not.

To the Bangor Daily News, your editorial comment angries me as a citizen of the state. This newspaper states "Voters have chosen to take a step backward.....". I find this insulting. I am a 45 year old married man with two children and two grandchildren. I never thought I have ever taken a step backwards. The Bangor Daily News once again shows it's true colors. Face it, the MAJORITY voted. Are the majority who voted wrong or without moral? As an organization, the Bangor Daily News needs to look into the mirror and see it's ugly face. You should post an apology to the MAJORITY who voted Yes on 1 for even thinking they took a step backwards. Your newspaper is trash, better served in the bottom of a pet cage. I certainly welcome ANY comment from the Bangor Daily News.

7:26 am, "MaineMom73," people don't go to jail for doing things that are immoral, they go to jail for doing things that are illegal. If stupidity, blasphemy, and lying were illegal you'd be in jail right now. You really should be in jail for criminal stupidity.

I think it is fair to compare this matter to the issues of women's suffrage and interracial marriage not because the issues are identical but because they are analogous. During those times there were many people who valued "tradition" and couldn't see towards a better future. Now, of course we know we are better off than we were before.

I also believe it is fair for the Yes side to be concerned about marriage and families. There has been a breakdown of values and structure but allowing homosexuals to marry won't further that breakdown. Including them in marriage could in fact strengthen these family structures by allowing legal and social stability. Love and nurture are the most important components of a family, no matter what the structure.

There needs to be a focus on the content of a family rather than the appearance of one.

I think that Maine needs to understand that the gay and lesbian rights need to be respected and supported. The trouble is that unlike the anti-discrimination movement of the sixties where Blacks could not hide their identities, gays and lesbians, especially after such a vote, are afraid to come out in numbers to show their strength. They are afraid of their neighbors, their employers, their standing in their communities, with the exception of those brave souls who did come forth to try to prove that they are just like ordinary folk.

We have been thrown a bone which some say is enough with a previous legislation that had to go through two referenda to pass. That is not equality. If you don't want to recognize a same sex union as legitimate, then don't, but do not deny those who want to make a lifetime commitment and to have all the rights that others have.

Mainers were always known for their respect of their neighbors' rights and privacy. Now most want to stop legislation that would affirm those rights.

If you don't want an abortion, don't get one. If you don't want to marry a gay or lesbian, then don't. However, do not stop others from enjoying the same rights and equalities that everyone should enjoy in a democracy.

How many gays and lesbians are there who are not in a "loving relationship" that is apparent to their neighbors? There are secret meetings of support groups that are held by many gays and lesbians so that they know who their friends are and that they have the support of others, even if they are not in a current committed relationship. This campaign against equality was based on spreading lies and fears by a group that was afraid to reveal who was financing it. If that isn't deceit and cowardliness, I don't know what is. If they are so strong about their convictions then why won't they stand up and show themselves?

Rosa Parks started a movement across the nation with one act of defiance that snowballed and resulted in more equality for Blacks (I certainly don't think it is full equality yet). Gays in New York City took a stand and reversed the persecution of gays as a result of the Stonewall Riots.

I am not advocating riot, but what I would suggest is that there be a day a week Boycott where all gays and lesbians and their supporters refuse to purchase anything at all in Maine. That at every instance the Internet is used to make out-of-state purchases thereby reducing State revenues. That every supporter of the No on 1 campaign file with the IRS demanding that the Diocese that was most instrumental in opposing equality in marriage in Maine be denied its tax-exempt status since it is using a place of worship to collect monies for a political agenda.

That every supporter of No on 1 write or call the White House to demand a repeal of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) and the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy and ask President Obama why when he spoke at HRC's dinner he made not mention nor support of equality for marriage in Maine.

There are so many powers that are going uptapped by No on 1 supporters that would show our numbers and our ability to move the system. If a group is treated unequally, then they are not a part of the "system" and as such need to work to overthrow it -- not by violence, but in non-violent ways. Ghandi moved a nation and we can, too. It is time we organized. It is time we chose a candidate to oppose the Democrats and Republicans in 2012. We can never win, but we such can split a party, skew the vote, and ensure that our voice is heard. It is time to take action now so that by 2012 if we don't see movement towards equality for all, then we can let those in power know that we will not be stopped.

The Yes on 1 contingent, instead of being conciliatory, felt empowered, even with so slight a win, as to announce that their agenda was to remove every politician from the Maine legislature who proposed and supported the law that was just defeated in referendum. That is unacceptable. We must counter it by showing our clout, by showing how we can or cannot support the Maine economy by refusing to spend here, and by showing our determination to stop discrimination in Maine.

GMouffette - I would love to be able to agree with you, but if you look to countries where same sex marriage has been passed, you will see a continued, if not drastic, decline in traditional views of marriage, child rearing, etc. Granted, these countries, similar to the US, already had high divorce rates, and high numbers of children born outside of marriage. But, passing gay marriage seems to accelerate the problem, to a point where traditioanl marriage is no longer valued by society at all. And the results are staggering - mothers required to work multiple jobs to pay for their children (since the fathers don't), daycare systems overflowing, divorce as the norm for almost every marriage, high taxes to pay for social welfare systems.

Gee, doesn;t this seem to be the trend in the US? Let's pass a national healthcare system so we can cover more people - the result will be more people needing to be covered, because they can be. It is a carrot being held in front of society - and we will likely follow it to a complete welfare state. But everyone will be able to do exactly what they want, when they want, and how they want - and society picks up the tab.

I just wish BDN would get rid of the disturbing picture they put out every time the word gay is mentioned. At least have these two with sad faces to show their disappointment.

The people spoke. Morality won. Quit griping. The next step in the gay agenda is on the table. What will that be? Whatever it is, I believe the great people in the state of Maine will be ready to defeat it.

DavidBerg - why is it that homosexuals need support groups? I've never heard of heterosexuals needing support groups for being heterosexual. If you need a support group, perhaps you need something else - a little dose of reality. Perhaps you're doing something purposefully that can cause you harm - and yet you have a compulsion to continue doing it. Perhaps not doing it in the first place would alleviate the need for a support group.

anne - I think you missed the point. Things are considered illegal because they ARE immoral, and society decided they were. Otherwise, who says it's wrong to commit statutory rape? Especially if she was willing? Just an example that I'm sure will raise the ire . . . All laws are based on morality - that is where they originated.

I'm still amazed at how many people repeatedly bring up the struggles of the blacks and women. A black person has no choice as to whether or not he or she is black. A woman has no choice as to whether or not she is a woman. Homosexuals have a choice, and they choose the immoral path. Just because they want to live that way, and they are free to choose that lifestyle, I don't have to accept or support their choice.

Toleration is one thing, but acceptance is completely different.

Special rights are for those that have no control over their situation.

Until there is conclusive scientific evidence of a gay gene, there will not be acceptance or support from many of us; just toleration.

Now, let's all get on to more important issues like the attempted socialization and bankrupting of our nation by a tyrannical president and Congress. If they get their way, this gay issue will be the least of our problems.

The BDN just doesn't get it. The vote was not fear-based, but common-sense based. Offering rights to people based on their behaviors is simply wrong. All comparisons to equal rights for minorities, women, etc., fall short.

The Governor and legislature deserve a reprimand in editorial columns for trying to force gay marriage upon the people of Maine.

Windfuture

As far as tradition goes, I think there has certainly been a drastic decline in many of our values. Since you brought up healthcare, what is truly at the root of that problem? I'd say greed. To profit under the guise of protecting others is an incredible sin in my opinion. It isn't fair that some live lavish lifestyles with million, billion dollar salaries while others go hungry. That has never been a value of tradition.

This decline in values is very complex and intricate. There is no possible way to pinpoint a singular cause of this because there isn't one. I don't think that homosexuals contribute to that decline either. I seen and heard a lot of love coming from those families. I've worked with their children as well and they seem to be turning out great.

On the issue of homosexuality being a choice, I don't know. I can see how it would be difficult to imagine what it'd be like to have a different orientation but almost every homosexual I've heard from has indicated that it is not a choice. For me, that's enough.

9:29 am, no windfuture, wrong again. Things are considered illegal because they are harmful. Look it up. And you can stop posting about gay marriage now. Your side won. Get over it.

holy crap cry-babies galore, wah wah somebody took away my dream, guess i'll go eat worms-maybe you forgot to click yer heels 3 times

9:30 am, EJ you obviously don't care about the struggles of blacks or women either.

9:42 am, if offering rights to people based on their behaviors is wrong, then explain why rapists,murderers, child molesters, even genocidal maniacs can marry.

Anne - There is no way you can twist what I said to back your bigotted statement. Left hand on green.

Gay marriage is just another empty attempt of trying to legitimize otherwise deviant behavior

wind future, every time I go to Canada I am reminded of what a great country it is. I don't see any of the results you talk about in Canada which has full marriage equality. In fact the Canadians just can't understand what the big deal if. And by the way, if you want to divorce in Canada it is a real long process, with many things required. IT is not as easy as divorce her in this United States. Prehaps adopting some of Canada's divorce laws whould have helped out marriage rather than prohibiting gay and lesbain individuals from joining in marriage.

THAN MOVE THERE AND QUIT WHINING

Michael Moore sings the praises of Cuba....but he won't move there.

Sean Penn sings the praises of Venezuala.....but he won't move there.

Alec Baldwin said he would move out of the country if Bush won in 2000.....but he's still here.

Many gays have said how much better life is for them in Canada......but they won't move there.

There must be something that is keeping them from packing up and moving out. Could it be that regardless of our imperfections, America is still the best place in the whole wide world to live?

AMERICA.....LOVE IT OR LEAVE!

The prejudice is deeper than the "gay" issues. While I was at the University of Maine, that bastion of liberalism, I heard the word Jew used as a verb on a regular basis, several times by professors.

Milo Maine had the largest contingent of KKK members of any group north of the Mason Dixon line. They were not hounding blacks in Milo, but the French Canadians who had come to Maine to work in the woods.

Talking to a Penobscott woman in her 40's at an Old Town trailer park where she lived I learned that "native children" who attended Old Town High School during the 1960's were subject to taunts and prejudice by teachers as well as students.

My Grandfather was fond of saying that Maine was Mississippi with snow. anyone who was "surprised" by Tuesday's vote on question one has not studied MAine history very well.

JD: re 7:50 PM I, for one, am so glad those prtoections are there. Sooner or later, the Constitution of the U.S. and the rights therein will take precedence and this minority will not be denied, any longer, certain securities and protections. I will be glad to see that day come. It is a good thing intelligent, rational, compassionate minds knew that we need those amendements; if one reads some of the comments here, it is evident why those amendments and protections are necessary. What a country this would be otherwise!

Look how , here in Maine, the rights of women, went through a back and forth "progression." Unfortunately, these equalities and rights seem to have to be hard won.

GMouffetter and seriouslynow: Your comments at 8:12 and 9:06 AM are some of the very best I have read. Thanks for posting.

HarrySnyder: "Mississippi with Snow"...never had heard that one, but unfortunately, it seems to pertain.

Pabmainer,

I'm sure that internal polling and experience from other states dictated that "Grandma" was the safe play.

I was suprised that the "No" ads were so heavy on protecting our children but never (as you hit upon) had real gays telling us why we should votre for gay marriage. Gay and Marriage were never mentioned in the same hour let alone the same ad.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,572326,00.html?test=faces

Same-Sex Attractions

"Nature is trumping nurture in the great “what makes people gay” debate. Humans have observed same-sex attractions in approximately 1,500 species, including deep-sea octopuses, dolphins, killer whales, crabs, and giraffes. The entire dwarf chimpanzee species, one of the closest to humans, is bisexual.

While some interactions are quick sexual encounters, others court each other, like the male ostriches, known to perform “pirouette dances” for a male of interest. Sometimes the sex is regular. Male lions guarantee loyalty and tribal bonds by having sex with each other.

Sometimes the romance is for life. Male penguins have been known to nest, as have female black-headed gulls, with nearly one-fourth of black swan families headed by same-sex couples."

I guess it is just a "choice" for them too!

why are you people blaming the churches they didnt havent any effect on the vote people voted on this subject it is plain wrong look in your heart and you will see it is wrong if you cant see it it is because you were taught it in school while you were young that is how it all starts a little at a time then before you know it you think it is alright for men to marry men or women to marry women it isnt alright it is wrong

jmathe...I was going to respond but your post speaks for itself.

Right, JD....there just aren't any words after you read something like that.

"Look in your heart..."

If people had looked in their hearts Tuesday, "No" would have won in a landslide. "Hearts" had nothing to do with it. "Brains" either, I'm afraid.

Sigh.

ricts1: Yes.......big sigh.......

That side might have "won" (for now) but I feel more strongly and committed to my NO vote than ever. The struggle goes on......maybe it is somewhat "over" in Maine for now (voting,etc) but in many places, the work and effort to bring fairness and protections to other families and citizens will continue on.

The BDN editorial is insulting to the majority in this state that voted yes on one. Your editorial board should acknowledge that the people have spoken in this state....considering the number of people voting in an off year election should tell you that homosexual marriage is not acceptable to the majority of Mainers.

Your paper used its position on this issue as front page "news" when it was nothing more than your editorial opinion. I am seriously considering cancelling my subscription to your paper, as are others I have spoken with......maybe an apology for those of us who dont fall into your lockstep thinking is due.

Daavid Berg....I think most of us who voted yes do respect the person who may be a homosexual; it is respecting that person as a person, we do not need to show approval of their lifestyle. I respect the ones I work with and know outside of work as PEOPLE who do their jobs and are basically good people. I do not need to respect their homosexual lifestyle. And the financing thing is ridiculous...the no side had much more money and publicity than the yes side, but yes prevailed....dont you think with the numbers that voted in an off year that a message is being sent? I do not feel empowered by the result, just glad! I do not want my children and grandchildren to think that we were in favor of this. And it is NOT unacceptable. The people have spoken, not just in Maine, but in over 30 other states. Get it yet? Keep your tourism dollars out of all the states that rejected gay marriage....you will soon run out of places to vacation.

Cinnamon, if Canada is so great...do you need help packing your bags?

Dear Yes-on-1-in-Maine-2009:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your followers, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate....

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them.

1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15:19-24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify?

Why can't I own Canadians?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, he insists it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted fan,

This wasn't an issue of civil rights and equality it was the issue of marriage. I don't care if gays date but in my own opinion marriage is between one MAN and one WOMAN. People are making this a civil rights deal when it really had nothing to do at all with question one. Question one was redefinition of marriage, not anything at all to do with civil rights.

No fair, Pokeyboy. If this were a chess tournament, you would be competing in a much higher bracket.

Your general question about the applicability of Mosaic Law to Christians was answered in the Letters of St. Paul.

Regarding slavery: Since they are our cousins, residents of the County must marry Canadians, and consequently may not hold them as slaves. To hold Mexicans as slaves is prohibited in Maine, on account of the War Between the States, in which the North prevailed:

http://www.mainememory.net/

9:55 PM, AlysonMcG, marriage is a civil right and you can delude yourself as long as you want but legal marriage offers government protections that the unmarried do not have.

civil unions have 1300 less rights than marriage be careful Maine..the way life is for some but not all..I personally will not spend a dime in Maine.

WilliamsDS, please let us know where it says marriage is a civil right....I am curious where it says that specifically.

If children are so suggestible, can anyone explain how people who were instructed from their toddler stage onward about society's expectation that they must live heterosexual lives managed to become gay?

Comments from these inbred religious morons is exactly why I don't step foot in a church. Christians today are nothing but trailer trash.

i will not spend money in maine

YES_ON_1: I couldn't agree with you more. seriouslynow: Are you serious? Atheists aren't trying to change the institution of marriage. People that have married without faith, man to woman, are also not trying to change the institution of marriage. You say you believe in God but then ridicule prayer and the Bible, and make fun of those who believe it is Gods Word.

EjParsons: That is hilarious except they were showing those two looking sad before we even voted. They must have known morality would win out. Next time they will be gray haired and still sad.

Pokeyboy: You can find all you want to laugh about in the old testament law; however, if you actually read your whole Bible, you'll find that Christ came to fulfill the law and do away with blood sacrifices of animals. He made himself the sacrifice thus fulfilling the old covenant and bringing about the new covenant (or Testament). Also, in Romans 1you would find that it very clearly states that homosexuality is perversion and strange affection.

cgjung: That's like saying all chocolate is brown. Nice of you to insult people, CHRISTIAN or not, that work hard to have a trailer that they can call home. With an attitude like that you couldn't possibly have enough love to share with either sex.

I had to laugh when Centaurmyst complained about one of his own who joined Catholic churchs and then made a mockery of their vows by sexually abusing young male members of their congregation. One woman wrote that the solution might be to allow priests to marry, isn't that what we just voted on? Who are they supposed to be allowed marry, young adolesent boys? Because they werent' molesting women for the most part. Doesn't anyone but me think it very odd that so many Homosexuals wo have professed such animosity for the Catholic church decide to become Priests? Banning religion is just what Homosexuals would do because it is the one constant reminder that they or their behavior will never be considered normal, which is why marriage and not civil unions must be their ultimate goal. If they can get married then it is because theirs is just an alternative lifestyle no better or worse than tradtional marriage. They will have to do away with religion and the Bible and overturn two thousand years of history, but even if they succed they will still be sexual deviants and they know it. All the talk about woman's rights and blacks is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to gain support and sympathy from these groups.

swann2001:

"They will have to do away with religion and the Bible and overturn two thousand years of history, but even if they succed they will still be sexual deviants and they know it. All the talk about woman's rights and blacks is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to gain support and sympathy from these groups."

Your Bible isn't the only Bible, and marriage is not a purely biblical construct anyway.

Your remark about "sexual deviants" is hypocritical, as gay people don't do a damn thing that you ignorant breeders don't do, so save your outrage and contempt and bigotry for yourselves, since you all are doing it more than the gays are, as if it was ANY of your damn business what people do privately, how about YOU getting your own life for a change ?

And claiming that homosexuals would ban religion is the kind of BS lie that desperate bigots like you always resort to, since you have absolutely NOTHING compelling, you HAVE to lie and fabricate.

What's disgusting is your bigotry and contempt, you are repulsive and sick. But guess what ? That's not illegal either, so let's just call it even.