The Portland Press Herald is reporting that EqualityMaine is considering the next three presidential election years ('12, '16 or '20) to bring the issue of marriage equality before Maine voters again.
There are compelling reasons to consider 2012, 2016 or 2020, said Betsy Smith, executive director of the state's largest group representing lesbian and gay couples. Presidential elections are when two groups generally supportive of the gay-right movement -- progressives and young people -- are more likely to vote, she said.Smith didn't give a clear sense of the likelihood of it being brought up in 2012, instead saying they'd decide in early 2012. They'd start collecting signatures to put it on the ballot before that (though that decision has not yet been made), but would hold off on making the call.
At a recent annual dinner, Smith said she told the crowd she hopes they don't have to wait until 2020 or even 2016 to bring the issue back to voters. In an interview, she was quick to point out that the group must continue to win over voters before they decide when to try again.
I've heard and understand the arguments for waiting, but I tend to think that we need to bring it back sooner rather than later. As others here have noted, trend lines on the issue of marriage are headed our way, and it seems to me that an addition four years of waiting is just too long to ask people to put their lives (or at least equal protections under state law) on hold.
Your thoughts?
