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