Mourning Maine marriage equality

November 4, 4:05 PMWedding and Marriage ExaminerElizabeth Oakes

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It's a sad day for Maine and marriage equality as Maine's voters repeal marriage equality laws passed by their legislature last May.  There are some small comforts, perhaps: Washington State's "Everything But Marriage" domestic partnership bill looks like it will pass, and several openly gay candidates in various races around the country have won office.

Though many grieve the losses in Maine today, others are turning this defeat into a spur for further action.  Protests are on the docket nationwide, as well as other endeavors to help increase awareness of the gay marriage struggle; Marriage Equality USA is launching a "story project," asking supporters to illustrate the benefits of same-sex marriage with their personal stories.  As Molly McKay of MEUSA of wrote today, "“As people witness same-sex couples happily married in six states, living their lives, mowing their lawn, paying their taxes and as our families become woven into the seamless web of community and citizenship, the injustice of separate of unequal treatment will grow more and more apparent."

On the legal and political fronts, the Olson/Boies federal lawsuit challenging Proposition 8 will be heard in Calfornia's U.S. District Court this January, and Senator Arlen Spector has issued a call to repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) stating that, "The repeal of DOMA is one step among several designed to fully integrate and protect the rights of gays and lesbians in American society."

So take heart, marriage equality supporters: despite yesterday's disappointing election, our cause is advancing nationwide (and worldwide, too.) Two years ago there was only one state that permitted same-sex couples to marry; now there are five.  It is also true that younger voters tend to be less homophobic and will eventually dominate future elections.  Time is on our side, but only if we keep the fight alive.

Progress towards equality cannot ever come fast enough and the losses are emotionally devastating for many, but dwelling on lost battles is counterproductive.  We are winning the equality war--slowly and painfully, but history shows us that changing the status quo always comes with high personal and political costs.  We must keep on keepin' on until we have obtained the prize: marriage equality for everyone, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 

So save a penny every day until then, and who knows?  Maybe marriage equality is only a few dollars away, but if not, we'll have enough to buy a fine bottle to celebrate with when the struggle is over.  Whether it's André sooner or Veuve Cliquot later, we'll drink a toast to Love, and how it really can conquer all.

Until that happy day, a sweet and long life to you all.

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