The anti-gay marriage campaign Stand
for Marriage Maine has called an opinion by the state's attorney
general that a gay marriage law would not force schools to teach
about being gay a “shameless political ploy.”
Attorney General Janet
Mills released a statement Thursday dismissing the claims of
proponents of Question 1. If adopted on November 3, the referendum
would repeal the state's gay marriage law approved by lawmakers in
the spring.
“When they study the facts, Mainers
will see right through Ms. Mills' opinion for what it is: a shameless
political ploy by supporters of homosexual marriage,” Marc Mutty,
chairman of Stand for Marriage Maine, said in a statement released
Friday.
In her statement, Mills plainly says
the law will not require gay marriage being taught in schools.
“Whatever the benefits and burdens of
the civil institution of marriage, the state's definition of marriage
has no bearing on the curricula in our public schools, either under
current law or under LD 1020 [the gay marriage law],” Mills wrote
in her response to Education Commissioner Susan Gendron, who had
requested the legal analysis.
Mills adds that existing Maine law
would protect persons from instruction that interfered with their
religious beliefs.
“[P]arents with religious beliefs
which prohibit dancing might seek accommodation for their child
regarding physical education classes that involved dancing,” she
says.
Mutty, however, disagreed.
“Yes on Question 1 has shown – and
our opponents have been forced to acknowledge – that existing
curricula ALREADY create an opportunity for teaching about same-sex
relationships under the guise of 'safe schools' instruction. We
know, for example, that the Portland schools already show films on
gay relationships. What is to stop them from showing films about
homosexual marriage if it becomes legal.”
"We have demonstrated how it could
be taught in schools, and that it HAS been taught in other states
that have legalized gay marriage. It's a shame that Maine's top
lawyer is using her good office for such a transparent political
stunt,” he added.