Groups announce opposition to proposed gay rights referendum

AUGUSTA, Maine—Gay rights groups are protesting a proposed referendum question submitted last week aimed at banning gay marriage and repealing the state's gay rights law.

The Maine Civil Liberties Union, Equality Maine and the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders claim the proposal would "take away every basic right that gay and lesbian Mainers have."

The Christian Civic League of Maine on April 4 submitted the proposed referendum question: "Do you want to protect traditional marriage and eliminate special rights laws in Maine?"

Executive director Michael Heath says the referendum discussion was launched last year after the state supreme court approved adoption by unmarried couples regardless of their sexual orientation.

------

Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com See Groups announce opposition to proposed gay rights referendum
Boston Globe, United States