Protests Against Maine Same-Sex Marriage Repeal Spread to Texas
Would you have predicted that a vote regarding gay marriage would have brought Texas and Maine closer together? Believe it. In the wake of the 2009 Yes vote on Ballot Question One, repealing same-sex marriage equality in the state of Maine, protests have broken out in Dallas, Texas declaring solidarity with gay and lesbian families in Maine. Some of the protesters’ words:
“Civil rights must never be put up for a vote. If civil rights were put to a vote, President Obama wouldn’t be President Obama.” — Daniel Cates
“I know we need to build ground momentum, I know it all starts locally, but it’s time for federal rights. We need Obama, the legislators we have elected, that we work hard to elect, to stand up for the people they represent. We need them to pass federal legislation that says we are the citizens that we know we are.” — Erin Moore
“Last night Americans once again saw the rights and privileges afforded to gay couples stripped away by the voting public. Bigots were given the opportunity to go into a voting booth and decide someone else’s civil rights by pushing a button. It seems America has not learned about the hurt and pain caused by California.” — Jesse Garcia
“We know that civil rights gains are won from the legislatures and the courts, so where does that leave us? We have to build a grassroots direct action movement from the streets that will not ask for equality from our elected officials, but will demand equality from our elected officials.” — Blake Wilkinson
