Representatives speak in favor of same-sex marriage bill in Maine

[t0dd]

Same-sex marriage bill is headed for passage in Maine house (after passing the senate last week). There is broad support. Just sharing some of the testimonies.

Thanks to these live blogs:

http://www.turnmaineblue.com/diary/2775/live-blog-house-debates-samesex-marriage-bill-ld-1020

http://www.mainewomen.org/blog/

Representative Flood, a Republican, fighting back tears at times:
“Dreading the inevitable disapproval of my caucus…but this is not about my problems…it’s about gay people who would like the freedom to get married, and the fact that they - like it or not - have to receive the permission of others..before they can do that. I’m hopeful that we in this House today, grant this permission. The more we can do to celebrate our differences, the stronger this State will become. ..Again, it’s not about me.”

Representative Carey
“I learned that God is a God of love.”
“This is not a gay bill. This is about love, equality, and freedom. I cherish these principles, and ..that’s why I support this bill. “

Representative Priest
"It seeks to build up marriage, not tear it down."

Represenative Cleary
“I rise in support of the motion. It’s a new day. The day we look discrimination in the eye and say, No More.”

Representative Wagner
My daughters Sarah and Cheryl are married. They shouldn't have had to worry about telling us about the wedding.
It took place with 8 relatives and 15 good friends.
I look forward to being proud of Maine as I am of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Representative Morrison
He and his partner created a family with a lesbian couple, with two daughters.

My partner of 11 years took his own life. We intended to get married. We did everything together. How many other dreams have died? Isn't it about time that we support them instead?

Representative Sirosis
He and his church in which he is a deacon, "do not agree with the homosexual lifestyle." But Sirois has enough of his own sins so as not to feel that he can judge others, and supporting same-sex marriages will "make Maine a better state."
This bill doesn't tell him what to believe or think. "It's purely the legality."

Representative Bolduc
“My value in this debate, is justice. This law will not have any impact on the Catholicy sanctity of marriage. It will, however, make us more just.”

Representative Van Wie
Another direct personal experience with discrimination, this one about inter-racial marriage. Van Wie notes that all the arguments against same-sex marriage today, opponents are using many of the same arguments as opponents against inter-racial marriage. Loving v. Virginia,

(Fighting back tears) "I can't imagine not being allowed to marry the women that I love."

Rep. Van Wie's wife is African American.

Some of this is hard to listen to..

[bicentennial_baby]

1. Link for those who want to watch:

http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/h_video.htm

I've cried a few times already. Powerful.

[Zenlitened]

2. K&R. Powerful stuff. - n/t