News

Victory for traditional marriage in Maine November 04, 2009

By a 53%-47% margin, Maine voters have repealed a measure that would have legalized homosexual marriage in the state-- even though, in the words of the Associated Press, “the stars seemed aligned for supporters of gay marriage. They had Maine’s governor, legislative leaders and major newspapers on their side, plus a huge edge in campaign funding.”

Bishop Richard Malone of Portland has been an active supporter of traditional marriage, ordering a collection in all parishes on behalf of the effort. The shepherd of the state’s sole diocese noted in a recent referendum alert:

Please let your conscience be formed by these clear and authoritative words of Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger): “In those situations where homosexual unions … have been given the legal status and rights belonging to marriage, clear and emphatic opposition is a duty.” A Catholic whose conscience has been properly formed by Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church cannot support same sex marriage. Please vote YES on question 1.

Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• Defeat in Maine a harsh blow to gay-marriage drive (AP)
• Diocese of Portland in Maine
• Same-sex marriage in Maine (Wikipedia)

Phil Lawler - Director, CatholicCulture.org If you found this helpful, please support our work. Make a pledge or one-time donation now!

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Sound Off! Comments

• Posted by: New Sister - Nov. 05, 2009 11:29 AM ET USA

  We must step up these efforts now, as the danger to grow complacent on this issue is very real. This referendum did not pass by an overwhelming margin and gay activists are rabid in their determination, well-financed, and backed by the Democratic Party. Like the devil, they have strategy and time on their side: they are actively (and I'm sorry to say, successfully) indoctrinating the next generation of voters to support "gay marriage" - we must boldly catechize to change course.

• Posted by: dancingcrane - Nov. 04, 2009 5:34 PM ET USA

  We have to pay attention now as never before. Because of the openness of those who thought they were winning, we are learning the positions and real agendas of the powers that be. Do not ever forget what we are learning today. Our lives, our children, our country depend upon it.

• Posted by: Gaby - Nov. 04, 2009 2:33 PM ET USA

  Associcated Press concedes that major newspapers are pro-gay marriage! Now THAT'S news! So much for newspapers being objective reporters of the new- they are now officially in the business of shaping public opinion and policy.

• Posted by: daughertyb6547 - Nov. 04, 2009 12:22 PM ET USA

  I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, And give Him no rest till He establishes And till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Isa 62:7-8

• Posted by: TonyLCR - Nov. 04, 2009 6:06 AM ET USA

  This is wonderful news!!! We must win back the truth of family and it's role in God's plan!