Polls Show Support For Maine's Gay Rights Law Remains Strong

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/11/110105maine.htm

Two new polls show that most people in Maine continue to oppose by a wide margin a ballot measure to repeal the state's gay civil rights law, but it may not be enough to ensure victory at the polls next week.

A Strategic Marketing Services poll shows that 58 percent of registered voters who responded say they are likely to reject the referendum question while only about 28 percent said they would vote in favor of overturning the law. Another 14 percent said they were undecided.

A separate poll, by Critical Insights, shows 62 percent opposed to repealing the law, while 29 percent said they would vote to toss out the law. Nine percent were undecided.

doubt the final vote will be 62% against but it the measure will lose

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. My husband and I will be cancelling each other out at the polls. I will

have to get on my brother and sister-in-law's cases to make sure they get out and vote for equality.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Good editorial in the BDN today

Whether we like it or not, the Bible and referendum Question 1 are connected. A recurring argument by supporters of the referendum is that homosexuality is contrary to scripture and a grievous sin that will be punished by God. Because I was raised in that tradition, I understand their perspective and fears. Their conclusion is the logical result of their understanding of scripture.

People who believe that Katrina was God's punishment for homosexuality point to an enraged Yahweh in the scriptures who wiped out the entire cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as retribution for their sins. They also cite the book of Leviticus, in which the act of homosexuality is said to warrant execution and St. Paul's letter to the Romans, in which shameless acts between men are among a list of wicked behaviors warranting death. These passages confirm their sense that legislation providing civil rights for gays and lesbians is misguided and a threat to the family and society.

This may be a logical conclusion if one relies solely upon these scriptures and takes them at face value. But such a conclusion demands making certain choices.

Choice has been a central element in the current debate about sexuality. Those who oppose homosexual behavior see it as a choice - not an orientation as much scientific evidence suggests.

http://bangornews.com/news/templates/?a=122941

[mitchtv]

3. Those who quote Leviticus and other old testament rules

had best be Kosher. If they are Xian, they should adhere to the New Testament primarily.
PS no lobster for the Mr.; unclean, an abomination.

[kevinbgoode]

4. I understand that argument....however

Unless the state of Maine has a STATE religion, their interpretation argument could violate others religious beliefs and understanding of scripture. Their use of that argument is not only out of place in the debate, but an attempt to coerce people to remove rights from others based on their religious beliefs, period.

I do hope people get out and vote to keep this law - people need to really be on the ball getting out the vote.

By the way, their Katrina argument is full of crap. The eye of the hurricane hit the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, which, despite the presence of gambling boats, remains one of the most wingnut-loyal areas of the country. Their megachurches were blown away - perhaps because of their despicable interpretation of scripture...:-)