GLT » Maine group to fight same-sex marriage bill

GLT » Maine group to fight same-sex marriage bill

Supporters, foes of same-sex marriage debate timing
Published Thursday, 29-Jan-2009 in issue 1101
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – A Republican political action committee said it’s organizing a grassroots effort to defeat a same-sex marriage bill.
The Maine Republican Project is opposing a bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. The bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. Dennis Damon of Trenton defines marriage as the legally recognized union of two people instead of a man and a woman.
Dean Scontras of the Maine Republican Project said his group’s members were concerned about the timing of the Damon’s bill. “This will simply absorb valuable legislative cycles that should be dedicated toward repairing the economic situation of so many Mainers,” Scontras said.
Meanwhile, Republican state Rep. Les Fossel of Alna is sponsoring a bill to ensure that couples on Maine’s Domestic Partner Registry receive the same legal rights and benefits as married couples. Fossel said that currently, married couples enjoy certain rights that are denied to unmarried couples in a variety of areas, including financial benefits.
Fossel said Damon’s same-sex marriage bill will trigger emotional debate and predicted that if it passes, it will face a people’s veto initiative. He said his bill tries to find middle ground.
“This bill might not be perfect for everyone, but it is the only bill with a chance of succeeding without immediately triggering a referendum to repeal,” said Fossel. “I suggest we’re far better off with an equitable solution than with animosity and division.”
The early debate over the same-sex marriage proposal is focusing less on the issue and more on the timing as state lawmakers face serious budget problems.
Critics say it’s the wrong time for lawmakers to debate the bill because of the budget problems. Gov. John Baldacci’s $6.1 billion two-year budget would cut 219 positions. The highway budget also would eliminate 137 positions.
“I think people don’t want to discuss the issue,” said Bob Emrich of the Maine Marriage Alliance, a group that wants a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. “It’s an uncomfortable and unpopular issue that’s likely to bring a lot of resentment.”
But Mary Bonauto, a lawyer with Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, said her organization is catching flak for failing to act sooner.
“We all take a lot of grief from people for not having done this a long time ago,” she said. “It’s irrepressible at this point.”
Last week, gay advocates announced their plans to move forward with the bill, which surprised political scientists.
Mark Brewer, political science professor at the University of Maine, said economic concerns are dominating most political discussions these days.
“I was surprised that piece of legislation was coming forward now – not so much having to do with the issue or legislation, but because everyone’s attention is so focused on the economic crisis,” Brewer said.
Sen. Peter Mills, R-Cornville, said a newly energized youth vote prompted by Democratic President-elect Barack Obama could help the activists. But Mills, like Democratic Gov. John Baldacci, said he has not made up his mind on the measure.
“It’s surprising they are doing it without the governor’s overt support,” he said.
James Melcher, political science professor at the University of Maine at Farmington, said he’s not sure Mainers are ready for same-sex marriage.
“It’s hard to see it passing in a statewide vote,” he said.