News (USA)

GOP lawmaker cites deceased gay brother as he fights same-sex marriage

GOP lawmaker cites deceased gay brother as he fights same-sex marriage

AUGUSTA, Maine — A Republican state lawmaker in Maine urged voters to reject the marriage equality ballot initiative while invoking the memory of his deceased gay brother, who was in a 25+ year relationship with his partner.

David Johnson

In a statement posted to the anti-gay “Protect Marriage Maine” website, State Rep. David Johnson, (R-Eddington), wrote:

“I miss my brother and stay in contact with his partner because I love them both and know many other gay couples and love them dearly as well. The fact remains that God intended marriage to be between one man and one woman, and we have no right to redefine marriage.

It has taken me a while, but I have finally figured out that God’s plan is better than man’s plan in all aspects of life. He constructed marriage this way for a reason. Numerous studies confirm this, showing that kids do much better when raised by their married mother and father.

“On Tuesday, we will decide between affirming God’s plan for marriage, or seeking our own route. Please join me in voting no on Question 1, after all our Nation’s motto is still, ‘In God we trust.’”

Johnson’s brother died in April following a two-year battle with cancer.

On Friday, Public Policy Polling released its final poll on the Maine marriage equality initiative, and also said the measure is leading for passage by a 52-45 margin, numbers virtually unchanged from 52-44 in its last survey.

Maine’s is the first and so-far only ballot initiative brought by petition to approve the same-sex marriage; similar ballot initiatives in Maryland and Washington state were brought about by petition drives in an effort to reject marriage equality laws enacted by their state legislatures earlier this year.

Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Future of Colorado civil unions hinges on state house, senate victories

Previous article

Family members take Senate candidate to task for anti-gay views

Next article