EqualityMaine
 The EqualityMaine logo | |
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| |
| 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 |
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
- ↑ Harlow, Doug (27 October 2010). "Gay-marriage mailers put to rest in House District 85 race". The Morning Sentinel. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "Maine group drops push to repeal gay rights law". USA Today. 19 June 2008. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
- ↑ Gay rights group honors sponsor of marriage bill March 28, 2010; Portland Press Herald
- ↑ Nichols, John (7 May 2009). "The Nation: The Year Of Same-Sex Marriage!". NPR. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
- ↑ Fulton, Deirdre (17 December 2008). "Gay marriage debate comes to Maine: Civil Rights". Portland Phoenix. Retrieved 10 April 2011.
- ↑ "Gay Marriage: Maine Supporters Plan Referendum". The Huffington Post. June 30, 2011. Retrieved September 4, 2013.
- ↑ "Secretary of state says same-sex marriage will be on the ballot". Bangor Daily News. February 23, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
- ↑ "With marriage equality a success in Maine, now what?". Bangor Daily News. July 9, 2013. Retrieved August 16, 2013.
- ↑ "Equality Maine". Retrieved January 16, 2014.