THE LEGISLATURE

Not very gay in Augusta

By Tony Giampetruzzi

When it comes to civil rights for gays and lesbians, it looks like a mixed bag in the 120^th Maine Legislature, where upwards of 2000 bill titles were introduced in December. Not surprising, not one of them, if passed, would grant equal rights to gays and lesbians in employment, housing, credit, and public accommodations. Just about everyone knows that the legislature passed just such a bill last year.

Among those sighing with relief is Michael Heath, executive director of the Maine Christian Civic League, who recently told his minions in a mass e-mail that Maine needs “a time of healing.” And, says Heath, Christian Soldiers ought to be strengthening their bows.

“This is like waking up from a nightmare,” said Heath. “For over two decades the League stood like a lighthouse in a raging storm basing her objections to ‘gay’ rights primarily on Christian morality. While the waves threatened to topple the century old ministry, the storm is either over or we have entered the eye of the hurricane and need to get ready for the next blow.”

Heath’s flowery prophecy may be confusing, but it looks like gay rights supporters ought to be on their toes in the coming months. According to activists, many pieces of legislation are likely to have some anti-gay language buried deep within.

“[Bills] are gradually being drafted,” said Susan Farnsworth, former lobbyist for the Maine Lesbian Gay Political Alliance and a Hallowell-based attorney. “Some have already been printed and they have already started hearings.”

Farnsworth noted that she is aware of “a couple titles that involve civil rights issues” and a host of bills regarding the restriction of adoption by gays.

One notable bill would restrict reintroduction of previously failed citizen initiatives for up to six years. If passed, that could mean the end of equal rights referenda for quite some time. But, on the other hand, it could also mean that equal rights opponents would be prohibited from challenging a pro-gay legislative action like they did in 1998.

Either way, the Secretary of State would determine the efficacy of any proposed referendum. Would it fly?

“Let’s face it, both sides could be restricted,” said Farnsworth. “Or it could be argued that the new referendum is different enough. It’s impossible to say.”