Thousands attend a hearing on a bill that would allow same-sex unions in Maine
April 23, 2009
by Matt Wickenheiser
AUGUSTA—For more than 10 hours on Wednesday, lawmakers at a hearing on same-sex marriage legislation heard testimony that in turns was passionate, personal, heart-rending and fiery.
At its peak, a crowd of nearly 4,000 people packed into the Augusta Civic Center for the hearing. Nearly 200 people spoke on a bill that would allow same-sex marriage in Maine, about half for, half against. They lined up behind two lecterns, patiently waiting their turn to tell their stories or share their opinions.
Opponents largely raised arguments based on religion and on what they thought permitting gay marriage in Maine would do to the institution of marriage and to children.
Supporters spoke of how their gay families are treated as second-class in Maine society because they cannot marry. Others spoke of legal problems that often arise because gay couples have no legally recognized relationship without being married, such as when one partner dies.
The hearing was generally civil throughout the day, despite strong opinions on both sides.
In presenting his bill to the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Dennis Damon, D-Trenton, said that Wednesday was "one of the most meaningful days of my legislative career."
"I have faith in you, for you are the sons and daughters of Lady Liberty and Madame Justice," said Damon. "You will not forget it's fair, it's right, it's time."
Those who testified came from all corners of the state and included truck drivers and bishops, doctors and an attorney general.
Bishop Richard Malone, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, said the church supports civil rights for all, but does not back gay marriage.
"We speak in opposition of same-sex marriage because we are deeply concerned about the institution of marriage itself, in this state and in this nation," said Malone.
Marriage is facing challenges from many angles, from the high rate of divorce to the struggles of single parents, Malone said. The damage to children is dramatic, he said.
"Please remember that marriage is not simply an economic compact. In nearly every culture, it's a social institution," said Malone.
Monica Hamkins, 73, of Brunswick testified in favor of the bill with her daughter and her daughter's partner. Hamkins said she's been married for 51 years and is Catholic. She said her daughter's relationship is every bit as strong as her own.
"The bishop does not speak for me," said Hamkins. "God made gay people. I don't believe he made them to live their lives alone."
The Rev. Rich Gustafson, pastor at First Baptist Church in Westbrook, said that children need both a father and a mother in a family. Allowing gay marriage would deny that, he said.
"It will rob children of the necessary and different experiences that mothers and fathers expose children to," said Gustafson.
"The institution of marriage as we know it will end."
There were plenty of religious speakers on the other side of the issue as well.
Mark Worth, pastor of the Universalist Unitarian Congregation in Castine, stood with about 115 fellow clergy members, the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry.
"We are here to bear witness that many religious leaders honor and bless the love and commitment of same-sex partners," he said.
The Rev. Deborah Davis Johnson, pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Portland, said to the committee that "what Jesus teaches is love – inclusive, nonjudgmental love."
"Jesus led a life of justice – we are called to do the same," she said.
The Rev. Paul Dumais, the Catholic pastor at Saint Joseph's College in Standish, said men and women should accept their sexual identity, as it is oriented to the good of marriage and the flourishing of the human family.
The Book of Genesis spoke on the ordering of the masculine and feminine, he said.
"Marriage between one man and one woman is consistent with spousal meaning of the body," said Dumais.
Focusing on children, which was a popular theme, the Rev. Mike Olmstead of First Baptist Church in Portland said: "Children are entitled to be bonded and attached to two people who brought them into the world. Children are entitled to their genetic heritage."
Children were key to both sides of the debate, though.
Sam Putnam, 14, of Portland told the committee about how he and his two brothers have been a family with their mother and her partner for five years.
"I'm stuck saying my mom's partner, when really, I should have the right to call her my stepmom," he said. "Our family deserves this right, just like any other family. Really, we shouldn't even have to ask – we are all human beings."
Sara Dowling spoke of how she and her partner, Linda Wolfe, have been together 18 years and have a 7-year-old daughter, Maya. The women have to carry all sorts of documents showing power of attorney and other connections with them in their vehicles and on trips.
"The law considers us to be strangers," she said.
Elliot Cherry of Portland spoke about his partner, who died, and of the lack of rights he had as that happened. When his partner got sick, people started to question Cherry's decisions.
"Why should any of us have to fight?" asked Cherry. "Being gay has never been easy."
When he lost his partner, Cherry said, he learned just how vulnerable gay couples are without the rights of marriage.
"Marriage, indeed, can bring out the best in people," said Cherry. "That is something everyone in the state of Maine has a compelling reason to support."
Mary Breen of South Berwick stood and testified with her partner, Eileen Breen. The fabric of society is strengthened, she argued, when everyone has been granted equal protection.
"My civil rights rests in your hands. The nation is listening," she said.
But Nicholas Capotosto of Biddeford said this bill is not really about rights.
"What you're being asked to do by proponents ... is to replace the gold standard in marriage," said Capotosto. "You are being asked to redefine marriage not for civil liberties or rights; you are being asked to redefine marriage so this game of semantics can be used to socially engineer the mindset and the popular consensus of the people."
Some people who testified drew the crowd's ire, even though the event as a whole was respectful.
Al Lowberg of Washington said passing the legislation could give homosexuals access to children to molest them.
"I do not believe the people of Maine want their children molested," he said.
As he spoke, much of the crowd and many of the people waiting in line to speak against the bill turned their backs on him.
Staff Writer Matt Wickenheiser can be contacted at 791-6316 or at: mwickenheiser@pressherald.com
