Marriage Equality in Maine

Our representatives in Augusta are debating legislation legalizing same-sex marriages here in Maine. I just submitted a op-ed piece in support of marriage equality. Trying to reclaim the power of religious language, I used some more traditionally Christian language. Hopefully, we can build bridges with our more conservative brothers and sisters or at the very least let people know that people of faith do not speak with one voice about marriage or about Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender issues.

As a minister currently serving The First Universalist Church in Rockland and as a person of faith, I need to raise my voice in support of marriage equality in Maine.

From my contact with other clergy, I know that there are people of good faith and integrity on both sides of this issue, some who struggle with discomfort around something unknown. My work is inspired by the ministry and teachings of Jesus who stood with those forced onto the margins of society, who told us to love our neighbors as ourselves and constantly asked who is our neighbor. I see reflected in his story the call to bring more and more people to the welcome table. My faith is in a God of universal love who views all people as cherished and delights in love in all its forms.

And, as I write this, I also realize that the debate about this legislation is not appropriately a religious discussion. My faith tradition, Unitarian Universalism, will continue sacralizing families of all kinds as we have been doing for decades; and other faith traditions will respond to the dictates of their religion whether I agree with them or not.

This conversation is one of civil rights, civil marriage; and that issue has a clear answer. We are all offered equal protection under the law; we all have the right to be treated equally. Every person deserves the opportunity to stand in front of witnesses who love them and make a lifelong commitment to their beloved. Everyone should be able to take care of the one they love. So there is only one ethical path for this state and for the legislators, we have entrusted with the public good; that path is to legalize marriage for all of our citizens.

Mainers have stood for justice and for love before. In 1883 Maine became the 9th state in the union to repeal their ban on interracial marriages. The good people of Maine took that step toward justice 65 years before California and a full 84 years before all 50 states recognized the legitimacy of those also misunderstood loving relationships. Maine has a history of fairness that makes me proud to be a Mainer.

And now it is time, once again, time for this state to be on the leading edge when it comes to civil rights, equality and fairness. And I ask the legislators of this sate to lead us there; to stand on the shoulders of the great Mainers who came before and did the right thing despite the sound and fury around them. And I urge you all to call your legislator, to let them know you support them as they do their part in bending the moral arc of the universe toward justice.