Civil Rights

I was raised a child of the segregated south where discrimination was just the way it was. My father ran a small grocery store, and it was watching him treat everyone that came in the store – whether they were black or white, rich or poor – with dignity and respect that formed my beliefs that all people are equal. I have fought all my life for the rights and protections of all Mainers.

This past session, I was privileged to help the State Senate pass Marriage Equality. During the debate, I laid down my gavel as Senate President to speak directly from the Senate floor on my views. In that speech I recalled the experiences of my childhood, addressed my colleagues respectfully, and made clear that the basic values of fairness and love were behind my vote in favor of equality in marriage. Many skeptics thought that the Senate would never be able to pass the bill, but under my watch we did. By listening to individual Senators and engaging them in the conversation, we made history.

While the bill was overturned in the referendum process, I still believe that Mainers will not be deterred from continuing to stand up for the rights of our friends, family, and neighbors. I will continue to work with advocates to make Maine a fairer and more just state.

And as Governor, I will work to make sure legislation for marriage equality reaches my desk, and I will sign it without hesitation.