Baldacci speaks at same-sex marriage event
By Susan M. Cover scover@mainetoday.com
MaineToday Media State House Writer
Gov. John Baldacci made a surprise appearance at a press conference this morning in which supporters of same-sex marriage emphasized why they will continue to fight for full marriage rights.
The group of more than 100 cheered and clapped when Baldacci rounded the corner from his office and stood at the foot of the Hall of Flags steps. He said a few brief words before heading out the side door.
"I'm so impressed with all of you and your work," he said. "I know we came up a little bit short in the last election, but I think you really did change a lot of minds and hearts."
Voters in November repealed a same-sex marriage law by a 53-47 percent margin.
At noon, the National Organization for Marriage will hold a rally in Capitol Park to express their opposition to same-sex marriage. The group is launching a 20-city tour today that begins in Maine.
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66 COMMENTS
ElSkipper said...
Well, he's gone, no we just need to vote out everyone else that voted for SSM!!!
July 14, 2010 at 11:35 AM Report abuse
Lave2 said...
Remember when it was considered evil and unnatural to be left-handed?
July 14, 2010 at 11:46 AM Report abuse
SMGray said...
It's interesting that he was against same-sex marriage just about a year before the vote.
July 14, 2010 at 12:05 PM Report abuse
dcl3500 said...
Hey I am left-handed and resemble that remark! I am sure there will be another voter initiative and the next time it will pass. I honestly think it would have passed this last time if it had been worded "Yes on 1" instead of "No." Too many people don't pay enough attention to what the are actually reading and wording it in that manner is how many ordinances and voter initiatives are killed.
July 14, 2010 at 12:18 PM Report abuse
AR5 said...
I'm not a big fan of Gov. B, but I do commend him for his work on this legislation. He admitted that he is against ssm on a personal and religious level, but he was able to separate his feelings from what is right. Someday, all of you will be able to do that.
July 14, 2010 at 12:21 PM Report abuse
AJ said...
Yeah, the problem with that is that SSM IS a moral issue since marriage has ONLY religious context, that is, until governments usurped it for monetary gain. You want a civil union to make yourselves feel better? Go right ahead. But it's not a marriage.
July 14, 2010 at 12:30 PM Report abuse
gabriel29 said...
I do not mind if people do not believe in same-sex marriage. That is their opinion and their belief. But I'll tell you what, I mind plenty if they try to stop others from getting married because they are gay or lesbian! And with that, I hope marriage equality comes to Maine some day soon.
July 14, 2010 at 12:32 PM Report abuse
HesterPrynne said...
I almost hate to see them launch another entire campaign on this. Considering the time, money and energy it takes, I simply don't think it's necessary. Within the next 3 to 5 years, it will be decided by the Supreme Court and that will be the end of the State by State problems. It's a constitutional issue. That's where the work belongs. I know there is pride in being able to pass it in our own state first, but I've become pragmatic in my old age, and am willing to just wait a couple more years to see my friends marry.
July 14, 2010 at 12:38 PM Report abuse
jaysee said...
marriage, whether gay or straight, is a state's right issue. The only thing that the Supreme Court will decide if it's covered by the fair faith and credit act under the US Constitution. The Federal govt cannot say who has a right to marry.
July 14, 2010 at 12:44 PM Report abuse
tenacity said...
It is not a constitutional issue when like-minded people (NRA, KKK, MADD, homosexuals) want special laws for special privileges. It is as simple as the votes have shown. All are equal now, but that's not good enough for these liberal losers. The SCOTUS will verify for these M0R0Ns what 'equal' means not 'special'
July 14, 2010 at 12:49 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
The gay baiters couldn't be satisfied with their victory in November. They have to stir the pot and make a public spectacle of themselves. Proponents of SSM seem to be working quietly on their cause and are respectful of the November vote. That it will be before us again is a certainty. But why must those who wish to continue discrimination have to throw gasoline on an issue that is smoldering now? Perhaps they have a more insidious agenda?
July 14, 2010 at 12:51 PM Report abuse
mainevalues said...
so after gay marrage will there be special rights for pot smokers, cigareete smokers, drinkers, or how about special rights for kkk memebers, were does it stop were do we put an end to the coruption that is being forced on our kids
July 14, 2010 at 12:57 PM Report abuse
AR5 said...
mainevalues, if your kids are getting corrupted by other people, perhaps you should re-examine your parenting skills.
July 14, 2010 at 1:00 PM Report abuse
ScottTopsum said...
If the federal government cannot say who has the right to marry, as was just stated, then the Defense of Marriage Act has no legal foundation, as it directly says who can and cannot get married. I agree with this wholeheartedly. What the federal government, in the form of the Supreme Court can say about marriage is whether or not the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which says that the govenment (federal, state, county, local) will create no law that grants rights to some citizens but not others, is applicable. The several marriage equality cases currently headed to the Supreme Court will probably settle the question in favor of equality.
July 14, 2010 at 1:02 PM Report abuse
Godless said...
If gay marriage were to be legal, what special rights would they have that you wouldn't have?
July 14, 2010 at 1:06 PM Report abuse
tenacity said...
Biddy said... ............... make a public spectacle of themselves. Proponents of SSM seem to be working quietly on their cause and are respectful of the November vote............ July 14, 2010 at 12:51 PM -------------------------------------------------------------- yep homosexual parades are so respectful.....lol......'working quietly'....more like working in secret to hide what they are doing in the schools and state congress......deceitful liars nothing else
July 14, 2010 at 1:09 PM Report abuse
Nietzsche said...
"Perhaps they have a more insidious agenda?" - - - - - - - - - - B, they're not that smart. It's just old fashioned hate, bigotry and ignorance that drives their agenda. But many are in their 80' and 90's and are dying off just as the new generation of voters come to the polls in the coming years. Things are bound to change for the better. Remember, we used to put some people in chains and force them to do manual labor.
July 14, 2010 at 1:10 PM Report abuse
tenacity said...
the right of forcing the public school system to promote their deviant lifestyle. This is not a civil rights issue but one political dogma being forced on society without justification. This choice is not 'equality' exactly the opposite forcing a lifestyle on the public as 'protected' instead of personal responsibility.
July 14, 2010 at 1:18 PM Report abuse
tenacity said...
not surprising that the 'Rainbow Reporter' (PPH) is trying to preempt the NOM rally in Augusta today with this 'homosexual friendly' story -- typical of this rag
July 14, 2010 at 1:31 PM Report abuse
AR5 said...
Tenacity, the NOM story is on today's PPH, and was on it before this story. Try reading. It is fun. And, did you lie about how you were going to be in Augusta today to support your mormon buddies?
July 14, 2010 at 1:35 PM Report abuse
Nietzsche said...
Notice the reference to children in their fever pitched cries of bigoted remarks and ignorant statements. That's called fear mongering and it'll continue to get louder and more shrill until SSM is legal in every state. Then they'll move on to some other issue that boils their base like immigration, Jews, Muslims, religion in schools, environmentalism, contraception, you name it. Anything the American Taliban are against could be their next big rallying cry, all for the sake of getting the ignorant riled up and ready to sign on with their side, just for the votes. Brilliant!
July 14, 2010 at 1:41 PM Report abuse
Divinity said...
jaysee said..." marriage ... is a state's right issue. The only thing that the Supreme Court will decide if it's covered by the fair faith and credit act under the US Constitution. The Federal govt cannot say who has a right to marry." _____________________________________ Scott tops 'em - the Court is precisely the venue for determining that individuals may not be excluded based upon class membership from rights generally granted to others. The Governor and a majority of our legislators correctly recognized this in taking a politically unpopular position. Those who pander to the uneducated, prejudiced, and fundamentalist fringe will continue to find that their base is rapidly shrinking. What the religious fundamentalists and the bigots have difficulty accepting, among other things, is the fact that 95% of those voting for fairness are not themselves class members.
July 14, 2010 at 1:41 PM Report abuse
tenacity said...
ar nope, unfortunately my responsibilities (a difficult concept for you to comprehend) did not allow me to be there. But I did send support!
July 14, 2010 at 1:52 PM Report abuse
tenacity said...
ar clueless as usual the NOM story 1:31 pm this obamanation 11:11 am....... now about the reading issue, it works better if you take off your rose colored glasses.....lol
July 14, 2010 at 1:58 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
tenacity. Responsibilities? Munching on a bag of chips and pecking away? Or homeschooling your ten kids in your two room tar paper shack?
July 14, 2010 at 1:59 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
The gang's all here. Now all we need is Lovin'it with some quote about LePage and it'll be an afternoon.
July 14, 2010 at 2:02 PM Report abuse
tenacity said...
biddy, wish I had been so blessed with 10 kids, I certainly wouldn't care about a 'tar paper shack' but most certainly about their education. Too bad your parents didn't care to make sure you had graduated with some moral upbringing.
July 14, 2010 at 2:10 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
tentcity. Your simplicity entertains me if nothing else. I'm having a hard time trying to pin down your preoccupation with Gays and SSM. Can you enlighten us? Most of us understand the election was held last November and it was a WIN for your side!! It's now July and you and your comrades are still beating the same tired drum you've pounded on for the last 8 months. Have a guilty conscience or something?
July 14, 2010 at 2:29 PM Report abuse
Sam said...
"The Federal govt cannot say who has a right to marry." Really? Look up Loving v Virginia. It was a US Supreme Court ruling that overturned laws on the books in many states that discriminated in regards to who could/could not get married.
July 14, 2010 at 2:38 PM Report abuse
AR5 said...
tenacity, you are a hoot. Let me help you, go back to teh PPH homepage, scroll down, and see the midnight article about NOM. Then, come back and apologize for your ridiculous name-calling and stupidity. Then, go away again. Thanks
July 14, 2010 at 2:41 PM Report abuse
tenacity said...
biddy, nope just not going to fall asleep again and let an obamanation like the one in the White House happen again. Those of us your "liberal loonicy" woke up are going to work in all areas to restore some morality back into society. And especially the schools which have been infested with socialist,communistic liberal ideology. Such despicable perverts you are that you attack the children with your immoral behaviors.
July 14, 2010 at 2:41 PM Report abuse
Sam said...
Supreme Court Justice Thomas would not have been permitted to marry his wife if the federal government had NOT told the states that they MUST allow certain couples to marry in Loving v Virgina.
July 14, 2010 at 2:43 PM Report abuse
Biddy said...
tentcity. So now we're going to start on Mr. Obama are we? I guess when you can't make sense on one issue you turn to another with more potential to make your point? Still waiting to hear what's driving your preoccupation with things gay? But I'm not optimistic that we're going to find out. Perhaps it's your need to find something negative to latch onto and rave about to legitimize yourself.
July 14, 2010 at 2:55 PM Report abuse
bWFpbmVtZXdpOQ%3D%3D said...
I have my moments of being mistaken but last I knew weren't State and Church suppose to be kept separate?
July 14, 2010 at 2:58 PM Report abuse
tenacity said...
biddy, when at the most a group of 6600 people feel it necessary to force their lifestyle and opinions on 1.3 million people without any justification by lying, deceiving and outright bigoted hatred, someone has to speak up. Imagine if Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, Lenin etc had been stop from polluting society with their ideas. But people stood by and allowed it to happen. WE'RE NOT GOING TO LET IT HAPPEN HERE!
July 14, 2010 at 3:10 PM Report abuse
Nietzsche said...
"...people feel it necessary to force their lifestyle and opinions on 1.3 million people without any justification by lying, deceiving and outright bigoted hatred..." - - - - - A good description of the religious right.
July 14, 2010 at 3:21 PM Report abuse
tenacity said...
Nietz, nope this is the socialist homosexual liberals pushing their agenda in Maine
July 14, 2010 at 3:30 PM Report abuse
Nietzsche said...
"...work in all areas to restore some morality back into society. And especially the schools..." - - - - - Watch out, here they come - the morality police. "If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being." -- Jerry Falwell
July 14, 2010 at 3:31 PM Report abuse
rabbitrun said...
Will someone please explain what the "special" rights are?
July 14, 2010 at 3:32 PM Report abuse
mainemewi9 said...
If people want to pass a State law based on religious beliefs then so much for keeping State and Church separate. That being said, Church should no longer be exempt to things like taxes...just saying.
July 14, 2010 at 3:33 PM Report abuse
williealso said...
SSM should act like a dog, go lay down in the corner on a rug and take long long nap,like about a life time worth. This $hit is getting old, you lost, live with it.Spent your time and money supporting a Homeless Vet.
July 14, 2010 at 3:41 PM Report abuse
dcl3500 said...
"us your "liberal loonicy" woke up are going to work in all areas to restore some morality back into society. " Whose morality? Your's Tenacity? Not thank you, you sound like you have the morals of most good christians, those of a snake, again, no thank you, I will stick with the ones I was raised with, be giving, be understanding, be kind, be accepting, the list goes on and on. Sounds your morality is be a bigoted, homophobic, racist and undoubtedly sexist pig.
July 14, 2010 at 4:37 PM Report abuse
ACHILLES said...
Baldacci and Obama are typical lefties that abandon their positions and beliefs due to political expediency. It's a combination of weak moral fiber and a political party that refuses to acknowledge any deviation from their rigid platform. The ironic thing is they've been very successful at bamboozling much of the public that the GOP is the non-inclusive party.
July 14, 2010 at 5:07 PM Report abuse
hawkeye said...
Wow if they outlaw the right for chowderheads to post here this comment page would be nearly blank!
July 14, 2010 at 5:10 PM Report abuse
ACHILLES said...
8 U.S. soldiers killed in the past 24 hrs in Afghanistan and not a peep in the vaunted PPH. Too busy revisiting this absolute foolishness. I've called this rag a tabloid in the past but that is doing the Examiner and Nat'l Enquirer a disservice. More like a lefty propaganda rump swab. Pathetic.
July 14, 2010 at 5:18 PM Report abuse
mainemade said...
Thank you Governor for standing up for equal civil rights for ALL Maine citizens!!!!!
July 14, 2010 at 5:40 PM Report abuse
brightOne said...
the prez is coming to maine for vaca. The reign of the bush's monopoly in maine is over. maybe obama will buy a yacht and run over george in the fog.
July 14, 2010 at 5:40 PM Report abuse
DeathCultt said...
Thank U Mainers 4 defeating a stupid idea from a flacid Governor. Thank U NOM 4 all UR help.
July 14, 2010 at 5:48 PM Report abuse
ACHILLES said...
dimone - the prez goes on vacation AGAIN. 3rd one since the oil spill. Apparently he is worn down from his 12+ golf games and hobnobbing with lefty entertainers. 2012 can't get here soon enough so we can rid ourselves of the racist/marxist in chief and his trollish wife.
July 14, 2010 at 6:15 PM Report abuse
wingnut said...
Baldacci speaks: BLAH, BLAH, BLAH! No big news...just a lot of hot air.
July 14, 2010 at 6:19 PM Report abuse
HesterPrynne said...
jaysee said... marriage, whether gay or straight, is a state's right issue. The only thing that the Supreme Court will decide if it's covered by the fair faith and credit act under the US Constitution. The Federal govt cannot say who has a right to marry. __ __ The Supreme Court will be very disappointed to hear that, considering that they have ruled on marriage any number of times. IF something is unconstitutional, it rises to the level of being worthy for the Supreme Court to evaluate.
July 14, 2010 at 6:34 PM Report abuse
HesterPrynne said...
Biddy said... The gay baiters couldn't be satisfied with their victory in November. They have to stir the pot and make a public spectacle of themselves __ __ yes, but it was a very tiny public spectacle. After an entire spring of planning this kick off event, NOM had the same number of people in attendance as Equality Maine had after organizing for a week!
July 14, 2010 at 6:36 PM Report abuse
Robinwhod said...
Isn't this about orientation? What happened to orientation? Orientation is a bigger tent. Lets include everyone's orientation, or would that be moving to fast? I thought so... Save our society, open a methadone clinic or marijuana clinic in your neighborhood and why not have Thursday 1/2 price abortion specials to help our society flourish. Ask your doctor if .....
July 14, 2010 at 6:39 PM Report abuse
DeathCultt said...
Hester said . yes, but it was a very tiny public spectacle. After an entire spring of planning this kick off event, NOM had the same number of people in attendance as Equality Maine had after organizing for a week! --------------------------------- That may B so now but if that B the case why did NO on 1 still lose the vote then. Morality does not need much 2 work true. Immorality needs lies and deception to work but seldom does in the END.
July 14, 2010 at 6:43 PM Report abuse
logicalview said...
You would hope that will all the other challenges facing the Maine people, such as another Baldacci budget in default and more people out of work, the Governor would be spending his time and energy on other issues rather than 'crying' about another failed policy. We should not forget that Sen. Damon, the sponsor of the same sex marriage bill, is now supporting Eliot Cutler. Is Cutler and Baldacci working together to force their far left ideas again on the Maine people? Governor Baldacci...please work for what people need and give-up on your support for the special interest groups that are not representing the order and priority of the working people of Maine.
July 14, 2010 at 7:00 PM Report abuse
Haiku said...
The law enforcement community apparently considers John Baldacci above the law throughout his two terms in office as governor. When Baldacci's street associates tried kicking in the skull of a Brewster, who for years has criticized the acts of violence already done by militant pro-gay activists on critics of "gay-rights", cops let the perpetrators free even after getting perp names and witness names. Baldacci's not above the law. Additionally, there's something very unethical about any governor taking sides with gay militants who want to flip Judeo-Christian society. The state, already proven to be criminally negligent regarding gay violence on straights, isn't supposed to get away with discriminating on the basis of religion against the so-called "religious right". Baldacci needs to be prosecuted.
July 14, 2010 at 7:17 PM Report abuse
DeathCultt said...
Right on Haiku!!
July 14, 2010 at 8:29 PM Report abuse
ProudAmericn said...
IF this is truly over rights and not the word marriage this is what I think would work. Leave the word marriage for the folks who believe in traditional man woman marriages. For those who prefer same sex relationships enact a civil union law granting them the same rights as married people. Then IF this is really over rights everyone will be happy.
July 14, 2010 at 9:04 PM Report abuse
Todd said...
Note to Governor Baldacci: Here's one mind and heart that did not change, but instead will continue to fight any attempts to corrupt the institution of marriage with the gay agenda. Good riddance sir; you will not be missed.
July 15, 2010 at 7:15 AM Report abuse
frontjon said...
Marriage equality, just like equality in military service, is coming. The naysayers can keep doubting all they want: evidence and government trend are strongly against them. The stronger their doubts, the harder the belly laughs when we get to see their faces after it's all achieved. There is absolutely nothing happening in our federal government that supports the idea that discrimination will continue. Absolutely nothing...
July 15, 2010 at 7:48 AM Report abuse
frontjon said...
ProudAmericn, we saw just how realistic that is in Hawaii... civil unions vetoed by the governor as "essentially marriage by another name". The idea is a ruse, meant to throw folks off the trail to marriage equality. Nothing more. A straw man argument that, it's hoped, will slow the advance of an end to this discrimination.
July 15, 2010 at 8:21 AM Report abuse
null said...
frontjon....who said anything about sex?! You're a sicko! You better get yourself some help there buddy.
July 15, 2010 at 12:25 PM Report abuse
frontjon said...
null you're the one that started off with accusations of "perverts" and child molesters... then discussed you and your dog. It was your implication, not mine.
July 15, 2010 at 12:30 PM Report abuse
grumblestilt said...
"Here's one mind and heart that did not change, but instead will continue to fight any attempts to corrupt the institution of marriage with the gay agenda." I am straight and married with kids. I think sickos who are using marriage as a tool of oppression are the ones sullying marriage. Marriage is that dream we all grew up with - remember the whole happily ever after thing? It doesn't matter if you are straight or gay, the idea of finding your soul mate and living happily ever after is a dream we should all have - and have the right to make it real. Using marriage as a tool hatred and oppression is ugly and disgusting and THAT cheapens my own marriage. Two gays who are in loving and committed relationship does nothing of the sort. Marriage is a basic and fundamental civil right. To deny that is un-American.
July 15, 2010 at 12:32 PM Report abuse
frontjon said...
null, I deceive no one. Nor do I make comments for obvious reasons then act shocked when someone takes it that way. You do.
July 15, 2010 at 12:39 PM Report abuse
null said...
Frontjon...shocked no. Sickened yes. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. Nasty.
July 15, 2010 at 12:43 PM Report abuse