COLAGE Responds to Maine Marriage Decision

On Tuesday November 3, 2009, the majority of Maine voters decided to overturn same-sex marriage in the state, passing Question 1. COLAGE is deeply disappointed by this decision, as it negatively impacts LGBTQ families within and outside of Maine.
“I am very disappointed in the voters of my state,” said Hannah Melville, an 18-year old daughter of lesbian mothers. “I do not wish for any child to ever think that his or her family does not deserve equal rights. But that is the message that my community has sent to the children of gay and lesbian parents across the country.”
Though LGBTQ families are just like other families in many ways, people with LGBTQ parents and our families face the everyday reality that our families are discriminated against. Question 1 is another legal blow to LGBTQ families, denying COLAGErs in Maine the protections and recognition that comes with marriage equality.
Divisive ballot measures such as Question 1 effect people with LGBTQ parents throughout the country. “Hopefully, similar to what happened in California with Proposition 8, people in America will cry out and re-commit themselves to working even harder to protect the rights of ALL citizens,” says Fae Silverman, adult daughter of a gay dad living in Portland, Maine.
We at COLAGE will continue to connect people with LGBTQ parents to a network of peers, whether you live in Maine or California, Florida or Arkansas. Let us all work together to ensure children with LGBTQ families gain the rights, recognition and respect that every family deserves.