Four states cast votes for marriage equality
As the nation heads to the polls tomorrow, voters in four states will consider ballot initiatives on same-sex marriage.
In Minnesota, supporters of marriage equality have organized to defeat Amendment 1, which would limit marriage to the union of one man and one woman. Catholics for Marriage Equality make this simple argument against the amendment:
“As Catholics we value compassion, justice, family, truth-telling and love, and we witness all of these qualities and values in the lives and relationships of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. In other words, we see the face of God in the love of same-sex couples and families.”
The question is reversed in Washington, Maine, and Maryland, where voters have the opportunity to affirm marriage equality. Washington became the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage in February, and voters will decide whether to uphold this decision tomorrow.
Voters in Maryland will consider the state’s Civil Marriage Protection Act. If approved, the law will grant civil marriage licenses to same-sex couples starting in January 2013.
In Maine, marriage equality will appear on the ballot for the second time. Voters rejected same-sex marriage in 2009, but supporters of this year’s referendum are optimistic that the tide has turned. Maine does offer domestic partnerships to committed, same-sex couples, but this classification fails to encompass certain benefits, including employer health care coverage for spouses and family leave.
Popular support for marriage equality is growing across the country, but same-sex marriage has never been approved by popular vote. A win for marriage equality in any of these states would be historic.
If you live in MD, ME, MN or WA, show your support for marriage equality with a FREE rainbow flag or bumper sticker from Believe Out Loud! Click here to get yours today.
You can also help get out the vote in each of these states. Click on your state for more information on volunteering: Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, or Washington.
If you don’t live in any of these states, sign up to phone bank from home.
Image Flickr Willamor Media