Reacting to Tuesday's vote legalizing
gay marriage in Maine, foes say they might return the issue to the
ballot.
Supporters of marriage equality
returned the issue to the ballot three years after opponents
successfully repealed a law approved by lawmakers in 2009. Tuesday's
win marks the first time the institution has been legalized by
referendum.
The Christian Civic League of Maine,
which heavily campaigned against Question 6, said in a press release
that it is considering all its options.
“We should all be reminded that we
will not be silenced or dismayed,” the group's chairman, Pastor Bob
Emrich, wrote on its website. “Our God has called us to
faithfulness and we will do our best to join you in fulfilling that
calling. … The result of Tuesday's voting shows how the influence
of the Church of Jesus needs to be strengthened.”
“We are in conversations with the
Alliance Defending Freedom, Family Research Council and Citizen Link
to provide resources for churches, pastors and Christians who will
need legal protections for our religious liberties. We want to
discern the possible impact of redefining marriage as well as the
remedies. Our priority is to help ensure your opportunity to live out
your faith and ministry without interference.”
“We are exploring the possibility of
returning to the ballot again to overturn this egregious new
definition of marriage. That may mean another campaign, including a
signature drive to get it back on another ballot,” he
added.