Hark! A Stand for Marriage Maine ad that doesn't completely suck! And after weeks of fearmongering, a positive one to boot!
This seems like their closing argument to me, and is a strong one at that: "we can protect traditional marriage while preserving the rights of gay couples."
But it rings false on the merits. Even in their own ad the language is highlighted: "Under the law, registered domestic partners are accorded a legal status similar to that of a married person". Not the same. And Gerald over at Dirigo Blue points out that on the State of Maine's own website, the state clearly prints "it is important to remember that a registered domestic partnership is NOT the same as a marriage". On top of that, when DOMA is repealed, domestic partners will not get the over-1,000 federal benefits of marriage. Nor will they get the respect and dignity of marriage.
Put more simply, as Nick McCoy, an organizer with HRC, said at yesterday's DC Council hearing on marriage equality legislation, "You don't say 'will you domestic partner me' to the person you love."
At OpenLeft, we sent out an e-mail blast today (if you're not on our list, sign up here) promoting the No On 1/Protect Maine Equality's Call for Equality program. When I was up in Maine, I discovered how much of the state is actually very rural- too remote for effective canvassing. We have to reach those voters, and our urban/suburban supporters, by phone using Call for Equality.
It'll take just a few hours to ensure we win this thing. No experience required, all you need is an evening, a phone and an internet connection, and the campaign even provides training.
This thing isn't over, and the other side just made a strong closing argument. Please sign up to Call for Equality and help win this.
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