By Eric RussellThursday, April 10, 2008 - Bangor Daily News
AUGUSTA, Maine - One of the state's most vocal opponents of gay rights has initiated a referendum aimed at banning same-sex marriages or civil unions and prohibiting same-sex couples from adopting children.
The referendum also would eliminate sexual orientation as a protected class under the Maine Human Rights Act and would take away funding that supports civil rights teams affiliated with the state Attorney General’s Office.
Michael Heath, executive director of the Christian Civic League of Maine, said that if the Secretary of State’s Office approves his petition, he’ll begin recruiting organizers to gather signatures. Putting a referendum on the state ballot requires about 55,000 signatures, or 10 percent of the turnout for the last gubernatorial election.
"We’re mindful, politically speaking, of the fact that there are remaining questions with regard to gay rights," Heath said Wednesday by telephone, adding that "the only real question remaining is whether same-sex marriage will eventually be allowed under the law."
"We’ve decided to put our own views out there on this and start the debate."
A referendum in 2005 also led by Heath sought to overturn a Maine law protecting gays. If that discussion is any indicator, the debate is likely to be heated.
Shenna Bellows, executive director of the Maine Civil Liberties Union, sharply denounced the proposed referendum.
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