Maine Citizens Reject Gay Marriage Legislation, Shock Nation

Poll voters in Maine officially overturned on Tuesday the gay marriage legalization act proposed and signed by Democratic Gov. John Baldacci, according to several national news media and The Associated Press. With a 53-47 percent margin, Maine became the first state in history thus far to reverse gay marriage legislation via the ballot system. Interestingly, Maine is also the first northeastern state to consider legalizing gay marriage in the first place.

The defeat of the act has been termed "a harsh blow" to "the gay marriage drive" by the Associated Press, as well as a substantial obstacle to homosexual activists nationwide, many of whom were convinced they would win in Maine as they did in California. According to a recent survey by Gallup, Maine is by far one of the most liberal and least religious states in the nation.

The vast majority of supporters had remained optimistic leading up the moment of the vote. For months, gay marriage activists had poured time, energy and funds into a $4 million campaign backed and supported by leading politicians and several local and national newspapers.

The Stand for Marriage Maine Campaign sought to overcome the proposed legislation by "warning voters that if Question 1 lost, 'gay marriage' would be taught as normative in public schools," according to the Baptist Press. Stand for Marriage Maine ran six television commercials concerning the legislation, five of which included the theme of public school's teaching of homosexuality.

Bob Emrich, a spokesperson from Stand for Marriage Maine, told the Baptist Press, "This was going to have an impact on children - the way that children think, what children are taught. The people of Maine responded to that."

This victory (or defeat, depending on how you see it) comes at a critical time in our nation, particularly after President Barack Obama's early vow to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA as it is often abbreviated. Signed into law on September 21, 1996 by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, the act states that "the federal government defines marriage as a legal union exclusively between one man and one woman."

President Obama, however, has made it clear both in national speeches and in the White House website's Civil Rights section that he is pro same-sex marriage. He additionally believes homosexual couples should be granted all the legal rights currently enjoyed by monogamous couples, including the right to adopt.

Currently, five U.S. states have legalized gay marriage. Boston-based G.L.A.D. (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders) have stated they intend to see all six New England states legalize gay marriage by 2012. Unfortunately, this most recent turn of events may prove a significant thorn in their side. The majority of political analysts believe New Jersey and New York will be the next frontiers for the fight to legalize same-sex marriage.

May Christians nationwide rejoice in the defeat of the act, not out of contempt toward homosexuals, but in an effort to give God the glory and seek to love the gay community all the more. In an age when marriage is steadily being redefined by the government, we as Christians must hold fast to our belief that marriage is indeed intended by God to be between one man and one woman.

Such a belief in a God of infinite love should continually spur us to reach out to those in need of the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. A nationwide legalization of gay marriage will not only affect the gay community, but the very fabric of our society as a whole, our families, children, churches and our futures.

©2009 Joshua D. Givens and The Underground Christian E-Magazine

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