Together, We Did It

Dear EqualityMaine Supporter,

We stand at a profound moment in history. Today Maine became the 5th state in the country to establish marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples. We are the very first state to pass a marriage bill through the Legislature and have the Governor sign it into law.

And we are here because of you. Since we began our campaign, tens of thousands of Mainers have raised their voices in support of fairness for gay and lesbian families. Today the Legislature and the Governor listened to you, the people of Maine, and made marriage equality the law of this state.

Two weeks ago at the public hearing, thousands of us traveled from every corner of this state to share our stories and tell our legislators why marriage matters. We testified to our hopes for our families and to the harms that we experience because we cannot marry. Legislators took these stories not only into their heads, but also their hearts. They have responded quickly, in overwhelming majority, to make marriage for gay and lesbian couples the law of the land in Maine.

Today, the state of Maine has stated clearly what we have known for a long time: that gay and lesbian families are valued citizens, worthy of the same rights and protections as all Maine families.  Congratulations to all of you who have worked so hard to see this day come.

With deep gratitude,

Betsy Smith
Executive Director
EqualityMaine