World

Gay rights leaders blame Ads, Obama for loss in Maine

by Rhonda J Mangus | November 4, 2009 at 03:10 pm

211 views | 34 Recommendations | 7 comments

While Conservatives celebrated Maine voters' repeal of a law that would allow gay couples to marry, gay rights leaders blame television ads and President Obama for the Gay marriage loss in the state of Maine.

Gay activists were frustrated that Obama, who insists he staunchly supports their overall civil rights agenda, didn't speak out forcefully in defense of Maine's marriage law before Tuesday's referendum. The law was repealed in a vote of 53 percent to 47 percent.

"President Obama missed an opportunity to state his position against these discriminatory attacks with the clarity and moral imperative that would have helped in this close fight," said Evan Wolfson of the national advocacy group Freedom to Marry. "The anti-gay forces are throwing millions of dollars into various unsubtle ads aimed at scaring people, so subtle statements from the White House are not enough."

The White House, asked about the criticism, had no immediate comment.

Repealed by voters, Maine became the 30th state to either ban same-sex marriage or overturn a court legislative decision that had supported it.

Related stories on NowPublic, here.

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Add a comment

albertacowpoke

at 15:23 on November 4th, 2009

This is an example of minorities being pulled over the barrel if majority rules. The sun still rises and sets at night, even though our Supreme Court legalized Gay Marriage using the Charter of Rights.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 17:48 on November 4th, 2009

Thanks for reading, commenting, and the rec, albertacowpoke!:)

This is an example of 'perceived minorities' being pulled over the barrel if majority rules:). No one should assume that all those who voted on this are 'straight'.

It's going to take some time -- unfortunately, in the mean-time, millions of dollars are being spent on a 'fight' that should not be happening in the first place and these same monies could be spent better elsewhere --

smkovalinsky

at 17:17 on November 4th, 2009

"The White House, asked about the criticism, had no immediate comment ."

smkovalinsky

at 17:20 on November 4th, 2009

Hey, half my comment got cut. I put after, that Obama must be thinking , thinking, formulating excuses..................thanks for posting, Rhonda, and for posting all those stories in the link.....

Rhonda J Mangus

at 17:41 on November 4th, 2009

Probably formulating excuses -- live and learn! You are very welcome! Thank you for reading, commenting, and for the recommendation!

Roy C

at 18:06 on November 4th, 2009

Maine does have a domestic partnership law. My strategy would be to work to increase that. When you push people past the comfort zone, you get a reaction in the opposite direction.

There has been no state yet where the people have voted "in" gay marriage. Maine is pretty liberal and so is California. And you can't blame the Mormons in Maine, either.

This is why the Tortoise beats the Hare of Supreme Court decisions, legislatures overriding the will of the people, etc.

Even if you are "right", your tactics and strategy must be right as well. Or NO SALE.