The state legislature of Maine passed a law (LD 1020) allowing for same-sex marriage in the state a few months ago. The Governor, once a critic of marriage equality, signed the legislation. The important thing to note here is that the legislation was passed after years of field work in the state by activists and organizers -- and thousands of allies showed up for the public hearings on the law. I know folks in the state who were completely stunned and moved by the showing...but there's a twist.

Opponents of marriage equality have gathered enough signatures to put a "people's veto" on the ballot this November, which would nullify the law if passed. There's a great campaign in place to preserve the law which is running a "No On 1" ballot campaign -- but opponents of marriage equality have risen up again.

Strangely enough, the opponents of marriage equality in the state have hired *the same* campaign team as the Yes on 8 campaign hired out in California to override marriage equality in that state. And the Catholic Church in Maine, despite closing parishes left and right throughout the state, is donating money and staff time to the anti-equality cause.

So where's the good news? Well, Mainers aren't fully buying what the haters are selling, and the pro-equality field campaign is going well. The No On 1 campaign is raising money from both inside and outside the state, and have built a big tent coalition, including a wide array of religious leaders and institutions (I'm working on finding the full and updated list).

These are just a few chunks of information about the campaign -- I'll be covering it in more depth as we move forward to November, including a week-long visit to the state to do some campaigning. Give me some feedback -- what are you curious about, what information can I provide, and what's your stance?

Thanks for letting me back into the community! :-)