Maine governor joins families in fight for marriage equality

Governor John E. Baldacci met with Bangor families at the home of Sally Dobres to discuss marriage equality for the state of Maine.

"In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions," the governor said before the small crowd. "I came to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage."

The gathering at Dobres' home celebrated the kick-off of the No on 1/Protect Maine Equality campaign 'Get Out the Vote' program, which reminds Mainers to vote Nov. 3.

After taking a moment to thank the campaign volunteers that have been working since late May -- when the marriage equality bill first came under fire from anti-gay and religious groups -- Baldacci explained his decision to sign the legislation.

"This is an emotional issue that touches deeply many of our most important ideals and traditions. There are good, earnest, and honest people on both sides of the question," he said. "I did not come to my decision lightly or in haste. My responsibility as governor is to uphold the Constitution and do, as best as possible, what is right. I believe that signing the legislation was the right thing to do."

State Senator Chris Rector, while unable to attend the event, also experienced a change of heart regarding marriage equality. "I voted for the marriage equality bill because it was clear that my constituents supported it," he said. "I also came to believe that it was the right thing to do for the state of Maine. The law should treat all Mainers equally; it's that simple."