Governor defends gay marriage decision (Maine)

[fight4my3sons]

In his weekly radio address, Baldacci said he was fulfilling his constitutional duty in signing the bill Wednesday. The Democratic governor cited the Maine Constitution, which states that "no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor be denied the enjoyment of that person's civil rights or be discriminated against."

Baldacci also said the new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside its beliefs. He acknowledged, however, that the issue may be far from settled because a people's veto campaign has been set in motion.

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/newsupdate.php?updates/governor-defends-gay-marriage-decision

[jody]

1. Wonderful but he could have quoted "Section 1. Natural rights. All people are born equally free and

independent, and have certain natural, inherent and unalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and of pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness." (See Maine's Constitution)

That statement would have recognized "same-sex marriage" as a natural, inherent and unalienable right and off limits to all laws except those that infringe but not prohibit a right. Inalienable rights protect a minority, even of one, against laws passed by a simple majority.

On the other side of the U.S., CA Atty Gen Jerry Brown said Prop 8 Should Be Struck Down (Wed Mar 04, 2009)

In 2008, the California Supreme Court was faced with the question of how the values enshrined in Article I apply to same sex marriages. It concluded that the concept of "liberty" includes the right to form the enduring relationship called marriage and that no compelling interest justified denying this right to same sex couples. Just like the right to be free from discrimination in housing, citizens have the right to be free from discrimination in state-granted marriage licenses.

With this Supreme Court decision, same sex marriage has the protection of Article 1 and, like other inalienable rights, cannot be taken away by a popular vote - whether it be 52%

[bluedawg12]

2. That's sums it up very nicely + thanks for the "Yes!" Gov!!

[RetiredTrotskyite]

3. Way To Go...

Governor Baldacci. Well done!

Why am I not surprised that a people's veto campain has been set in motion?