by Peter Joseph Swanson
Member since:
April 13, 2007

The tyranny of the majority in Maine - basic human rights squashed in America

November 04, 2009 06:20 PM EST (Updated: November 04, 2009 06:21 PM EST)
views: 75 | rating: 10/10 (12 votes) | comments: 35

 

 

Voters in Maine rejected a law that would have given gays equal rights letting same-sex couples marry each other legally by the state (churches don't marry, churches just give their "blessing" after the state issues the license).

The repeal comes 6 months after the measure was passed by the Maine legislature and signed by the Democratic Gov. John Baldacci.

 

Lousy bigots were 53 percent of the vote to those who want equal rights at 47 percent.

 

It's time for the courts to do their job and protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority.

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Comments: 35

Johnice R. Nov 4, 2009, 6:33pm EST
Peter, I am so disappointed in the outcome. I was hoping that Maine was less controlling than Calif. I am just so very disappointed, and I am straight! I just thought I would state that for the many of us who support friends who would benefit the most from this becoming the norm.
Peter Joseph Swanson Nov 4, 2009, 6:39pm EST
A whole lot of that 47 percent that voted for it were straight, for sure.

But most people just vote what they have decided is in their own interests.
Johnice R. Nov 4, 2009, 6:47pm EST
Do you really think so? I talk to many folks before election day and--well I live in Cambridge, MA no need to discuss gay rights here until we see the results of dumb buts elsewhere! Cambridge is so liberal and academic so there are really NO minority groups here we are pretty well balanced with our majority group exceeding another group by about 10 people. Such a narrow margin they are unaffected.
Johnice R. Nov 4, 2009, 6:48pm EST
I hope that makes sense I am way past my fading point for the computer! :)
Karl Leuba Nov 4, 2009, 7:07pm EST
My own solution to the problem END ALL STATE SANCTION OF ALL MARRIAGES. The concept belongs to the Church, let the Church deal with it.
Chuck L. Nov 4, 2009, 7:50pm EST
Sorry, Karl... marriage is ONLY a State function. It's a contract. Churches ought to be the ones out of it.

BTW - the Pilgrim church agreed with me. Their ministers were ordered at one point to stop being a part of a governmental process.
The church is the last place that should have a say in marriages. It isn't a religious issue. As Chuck says, it's a contract, and should be treated as one. We don't tell people who they can enter into a contract with in business (apart from some criminal issues) - we shouldn't have the right to tell them how to enter into a marital contract either.
Kat W. Nov 4, 2009, 6:38pm EST
I really thought this law would make it. I'm terribly disappointed.
Don(time to open them FEMA camps) S. Nov 4, 2009, 7:16pm EST
Voting on basic human rights is wrong.
This is probably best taken up by the courts imho.
donna h. Nov 4, 2009, 7:26pm EST
I was surprised when I heard the results
Did the wacko Mormons invade there too? I don't think of Maine as having many fundienutties in residence.
I think Maine, like many rural areas, is pretty conservative overall. Not sure - are there any Maine residents out there?
Chuck L. Nov 4, 2009, 7:49pm EST
It's time for the courts to do their job and protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority.

Sorry, Peter. Not gonna happen. I wish it would.

I will say that this should be no more a voters' issue than miscegenation. It's the same principle. People want to marry other people. Race, sexual orientation, hair color, relative height... none of it should be any body else's business.
Not with the conservatives packing the courts year after year. Lifetime appointments are a real bane to social progress.
I had high hopes. I guess the best we can say is that the tide is turning - not soon enough, but 47% in Maine is a lot. Don't look for this to get on the ballot in Kentucky - we outlawed equal rights for gays several years ago and don't seem to be seeing much movement. I am heartened to learn that gay kids in high school here (Lexington) feel free to let their sexual preferences be known. I'm sure they get abuse, but they also move pretty freely in the social circles there. That's a big change from not too many years ago.

This battle is just a matter of time. Too bad it's taking so much time.
Aniko     Nov 4, 2009, 8:06pm EST
I agree with Sarah. Despite the setbacks, the trend is clear, and it's only a matter of time before these anti-gay initiatives join anti-miscegenation legislation in the hazmat dumpsters of history.
Paul M. Nov 4, 2009, 8:58pm EST
It definitely sucks. This is really the last civil rights battle to be fought.
Kay M. Nov 4, 2009, 9:01pm EST
Disappointing
Rick S. Nov 4, 2009, 9:04pm EST
Definitely a disappointment.

I continue to be proud of my state of Massachusetts for leading the way on this civil rights issue.
Angel sent from God Secret Sisters Nov 4, 2009, 9:33pm EST
That s to bad !
Kushal Poddar Nov 4, 2009, 9:37pm EST
Lousy bigots. I agree.

postman revisited
Gary Gentry Nov 4, 2009, 10:53pm EST
This was a damn shame.
Rude D. Nov 5, 2009, 7:20am EST
I am sorry but I feel that eventually the gay community will get their equal rights.
Whether the bigots like it or not, America is heading towards REALLY being the land of the free.
This is a setback but there is no stoping the inevitable.
My hope is with the young Americans who are NOT afraid of gay couples and new ideas.
My disappointment is with closetted gays who voted with the bigots because society has brainwashed them.

I will never forget when my wife an I went to our son's sex ed class discussion. I heard the shcool's principal tell us a story about a gay classmate who had so much trouble and shame dealing with his sexuality, he committed suicide.
If this does NOT drive home the plight of the gay community, you have NO heart.
Peter Joseph Swanson Nov 5, 2009, 10:19am EST
sad
Denise C. Nov 5, 2009, 11:57am EST
Peter my family is from Maine. I call them Maine iacs. They are your typical conservative, gun slinging, pick up truck driving, Im better than you, conservatives. Lots of Mainers are. I don't see that changing anytime soon. Maine is different than the rest of New England.
Sharon K. Nov 5, 2009, 12:06pm EST
This is terrible!
William Dotani Nov 5, 2009, 2:11pm EST
Rights which are worth continual demanding are eventually won. Have patience with peace not anger, so your thoughts are clear in convincing others to support your cause.
Peter Joseph Swanson Nov 5, 2009, 3:48pm EST
But .... but ... but ... I want to throw things and say bad words !!!
You have my permission to yell and scream and throw things. :)
William Dotani Nov 5, 2009, 4:38pm EST
So are you or are you not gay. To be gay means to play joyfully in peace and harmony and attend lobster races in Maine, but if you go and are holding hands with a partner, please avoid any LDS signs.
Elsie Duggan Nov 5, 2009, 7:28pm EST
I think you have the right to throw things and say bad words Peter, I don't know why this is an issue at all, and if the Governor made it a law , why did they change it, sad, indeed, personal stuff, should be just that, personal stuff, live an let live, I am sure it will become a national law soon, at least soon, they are testing waters on a soap I watch, One Life to Live, can't wait to see how that comes out, it takes place in Pennsylvania, I believe,
Peter Joseph Swanson Nov 6, 2009, 8:35am EST
thanks
and the hits just keep on coming. pffft.
Ed Da Head Toker Nov 6, 2009, 12:46am EST
It is stupid to deny what God has ordained as pure.
Marriage is between 2 people that are (supposedly) in love.
IF God is love, and IF 2 people love each other, then God has blessed the union, and no matter WHAT I may say or think ; can take away Gods blessings.
I pity the fool that does deny those in love the chance to get married..... I believe that there is a "hot place" awaiting them when they die.
ignorant bastids~ shame on them!

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