Greetings,

Today has been one of the more difficult days of my life. I know I'm not alone in that feeling. When you're on the right side of history, it's devastating to be on the wrong side of a vote.

But we are holding our heads high because we have every reason to be proud of how far we have come in our journey to win marriage equality in Maine.

From the beginning, nearly four years ago, we felt the best way to change hearts and minds was for LGBT families to share their personal stories. It took courage and resolve for families to open up their lives in such a public way, but they did it because they knew it would move us closer to equality.

Such was the case this spring, when legislators and the governor heard personal stories about why being denied the protections of marriage hurts families. And why being denied the respect and dignity of marriage makes children feel their families are less worthy.

The legislature righted this wrong by passing the marriage equality bill. It was a moment in time we should never forget. Democracy at its best. History in the making.

Many Maine voters have simply not heard these stories yet -- at least not without the drumbeat of lies and attacks from our opponents.

While devastated by yesterday's results, I am encouraged and inspired by the people who put their lives and families on the line for equality. We are committed to working even harder to win the protections and respect you deserve.

We will regroup, assess, and find a new way forward. And in the end, we will win. We stand on the right side of history and soon, history will be on our side.

We thank all of you for your amazing work on this campaign. We also thank Jesse Connolly and his staff, consultants and volunteers at Protect Maine Equality for running a campaign grounded in education, reason, respect and most of all... hope.

Toward a new beginning,

Betsy Smith
Executive Director
EqualityMaine