EqualityMaine

EqualityMaine

The EqualityMaine logo

U.S. State of Maine
Founded 1984
Type 501(c)(4)
01-0491854
Location
Area served
Maine
Key people
Ali Vander Zanden, interim executive director
Revenue
$235,969 (2011)
Website equalitymaine.org
Formerly called
Maine Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance

EqualityMaine (formerly the Maine Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance) is a political advocacy organization in Maine, United States. Founded in 1984[1] after the murder of Charlie Howard,[2] it is the oldest and largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization in the state. In 2008, they were a primary opponent of an attempt to revoke an anti-discrimination law in Maine.[3] In 2009, EqualityMaine was one of the main supporters of a push to recognize same-sex marriage in Maine.[4][5]

EqualityMaine's past executive director was Betsy Smith.[6]

On June 30, 2011, EqualityMaine and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) announced plans to place a voter initiative in support of same-sex marriage on the state's November 2012 ballot.[7] After leading the effort to gather the signatures necessary for a citizen's initiative, EqualityMaine was among the lead groups of the Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition, the group that led the effort to win the right to marry for same-sex couples in Maine.[8]

In July 2013, EqualityMaine announced a new, five year strategic plan. That new strategic plan focuses the organization's work on issues that affect LGBT youth, LGBT elders, LGBT people living in rural Maine and transgender Mainers.[9]

The organization is a member of the Equality Federation.[10]

See also

References

  1. Harlow, Doug (27 October 2010). "Gay-marriage mailers put to rest in House District 85 race". The Morning Sentinel. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
  2. Love, Barbara J. (2006). Feminists who changed America, 1963-1975. University of Illinois Press. p. 109. ISBN 978-0-252-03189-2. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
  3. "Maine group drops push to repeal gay rights law". USA Today. 19 June 2008. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
  4. Gay rights group honors sponsor of marriage bill March 28, 2010; Portland Press Herald
  5. Nichols, John (7 May 2009). "The Nation: The Year Of Same-Sex Marriage!". NPR. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
  6. Fulton, Deirdre (17 December 2008). "Gay marriage debate comes to Maine: Civil Rights". Portland Phoenix. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
  7. "Gay Marriage: Maine Supporters Plan Referendum". The Huffington Post. June 30, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2013.
  8. "Secretary of state says same-sex marriage will be on the ballot". Bangor Daily News. February 23, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
  9. "With marriage equality a success in Maine, now what?". Bangor Daily News. July 9, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
  10. "Equality Maine". Retrieved January 16, 2014.

External links


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