Congratulations to Maine!!!

It seems in the face of discrimination, bigotry, and opposition, equality seems to be prevailing (at least to some extent). Maine becomes the 5th state to legalize same-sex marriage as of this Wednesday (along with Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Vermont). Governor John Baldacci and the members of the state legislature should be commended.

This is not to say that this act of equality will not be challenged. As we all know what happened last Novemeber in California, this too can be challenged. Therefore, I encourage everyone to voice their support. While we have seen a trend in many states of adding constitutional prohibitions on equality for all citizens, the LGBT citizens of the United States have been given a glimmer of hope by Maine's actions (and hopefully soon to be New Hampshire).

This step forward today also comes with the news that North Carolina's Senate has passed the School Violence Prevention Act which prohibits bullying on the basis of sexual orientation along with a number of other socially protected statuses. If this bill passes in the House and is signed by the Governor, then bullying in our schools can be addressed and prevented. Please contact your NC state representatives to ensure this bill's success. We all know what the negative effects are for students that are continuously bullied, especially when it is based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation. I applaud Oprah for focusing on school bullying on her Wednesday show and highlighting the growing trend in our schools of making LGBT or perceived LGBT students live in constant fear.

Achievements such as these are not to be taken lightly or in vain. They have come at the expense of countless volunteer hours and organizing on the parts of various organizations (Equality Maine, Equality NC, HRC, etc) which should be commended for their part. Thank you to all who stand for equality and realize that discrimination and inequality on any basis in our society is no longer something to be tolerated. LGBT individuals are to be respected as law-abiding citizens who deserve all the rights and privileges that come along with that title, nothing more.

So let's raise a glass to Maine and continue to back the similar efforts ongoing in our state of NC and all across the country.