Maine is next battleground in the fight for marriage equality. On the ballot this November is another attempt by the far right to vote away the rights of fellow citizens. This chilling example of how easy this could happen occurred in CA with Prop 8 when the right to marriage for gays and lesbians was rescinded by a majority vote. If they can do this to gay and lesbians equal rights now, they can do it with equal rights for straight people in the future.

Vote No on 1 Protect Maine Equity is working hard to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen in Maine. Here’s how you can help.

Donate
As with all things, campaigns need cash whether it’s for a candidate or a cause, having the funds available for day to day operations that allow the groups to focus on their mission, videos that tell the stories that need to be heard, or rapid response to the lies that the right is known for telling, there are two ways to support Vote No on 1. You can, donate here for a general contribution or you can donate here to support the video above, and another like it. Please donate today if you can.

According to this article by Paul Hogarth writing on Mydd, the Vote No on 1 campaign has said they need $3 million to win this and that it was important to get the donations in before Labor Day.

Hogarth goes on to say;

he opposition has already raised $343,000 – and all but $2,000 from four big donors: $160,000 from the New Jersey-based National Organization for Marriage, $100,000 from the Roman Catholic diocese of Portland, $50,000 from the Knights of Columbus and $31,000 from Focus on the Family Maine. No sign yet if the Mormons are sending in their millions from Utah, but when they do I hope to see more creative YouTube spots like this one.

In this interview (scroll down to the embeeded audio player), Maggie Gallagher states she’s meeting privately with Catholic clergy in Maine, and Bishop Malone, the Bishop of Maine, asked her to come to this meeting.

For those who aren’t familiar with Maggie, from her Wiki entry;

She is also president of the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy and National Organization for Marriage.

The National Organization for Marriage are the folks behind Carrie Prejean, the former Miss CA who is another shameless opportunist taking advantage of the fight to deny equality to all people while claiming her rights are being denied.

So these are folks involved in funding the fight in Maine to repeal the legislation that was passed and signed into law by the governor. Maine was the first state to do this through the legislation process and not the result of a court decision.

Volunteer
The Vote No on 1 folks are have set up a Help Protect Marriage Equality, Take a Volunteer Vacation In Maine program.

How It Works

During the month leading up to the election, the campaign will be hosting a team of highly motivated volunteers to serve as full-time, volunteer campaign staff. In Maine voters begin casting their ballots in October, so we’re planning the Volunteer Vacation to run during the entire month of October.

There are several shifts to choose from, each lasting one week (although you’re welcome to stay longer):

They have an orientation, you will be assigned a team to work with where you will be trained, and they can provide housing with other volunteers. You will be responsible for your transportation to and from Portland, local transportation and food.

I went to CT to work on Ned Lamont’s campaign, and it’s an experience I would never trade for anything else. I hope to get to Maine to participate in this campaign, all though finances are a concern for me due to being unemployed.

If finances are a concern for you also, you can still Take the Pledge to Defeat 1, sign up at the Web site for updates which you can blog about or share with your friends and relatives in Maine, or sign up for other ways to get involved.

Whatever action you can take will help. I’m sure the good folks at Vote No 1 would appreciate the support you can provide. Equal rights for all represent a true American value and vision, not discrimination dictated in the name of God.