MaineBusiness.com

Support the Civil Right to Same Sex Marriage
Vote No on Question#1

On November 3rd, Maine voters will have the opportunity to reaffirm Maine’s new law, recognizing the civil right for same-sex couples to marry. With the historic vote of the legislature in 2009, Maine joined Iowa and others that believe that same-sex couples should have equal rights under the law - the same economic benefits as traditional marriage, such as health insurance for your family – surely a hot topic today.

As CEO of Coastal Enterprises, Inc., I urge Maine voters to side with Protect Maine Equality and vote “No on One.” At CEI we believe that discrimination of any sort should not be tolerated and that America – still a beacon of justice for many in the world – must keep up its own vows and aspirations to rid the world of discrimination, by doing so at home. Discrimination has no place in a democracy founded on equal rights.

Readers familiar with CEI many wonder why a nonprofit community investment company is supporting Protect Maine Equality. We discussed this matter at the employee and board levels, and believe it is a threshold question that each of us – personally and institutionally – should discuss openly and voice our concern for any effort to overturn just laws. We understand that on religious grounds some may not find same-sex marriage acceptable. My own experience as a seminarian leads me in the other direction, on which I believe all religions are based, that is, compassion for those being treated unfairly. Whatever one’s view, certainly the civil right of equality under the law is a principle we must not ignore.

CEI’s roots are in the ‘70s civil rights movement, a time in U.S. history when social, racial and issues of economic opportunity came to the forefront. Our main purpose is to create economic opportunity for people and places out of the mainstream. Laws – or lack of them - that directly or indirectly discriminate against an individual are of no help in building sustainable, healthy communities. Discrimination of any sort is simply unhealthy to the evolution of a more just and humane social order. We urge other institutions in Maine to do same.

Vote No on One, and, thanks to all for opposing the referendum that would overturn Maine law and allow discrimination.

Ron Phillips, CEO
Coastal Enterprises, Inc.
Wiscasset