Opponents are taking to the airwaves in Maine. Protect Marriage Maine released two television ads on Monday in a campaign against same-sex marriage, which will appear on the state’s ballot this November.
One of the ads features Donald Mendell, who received a complaint against him with the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation during the state’s 2009 referendum when he spoke out against same-sex marriage, insisting Mendell “does not have the right as a licensed social worker to make public comments that can endanger or promote discrimination.” Though the board ruled in his favor, he is still attempting to play the victim card.
“I was a successful school counselor in Maine for over 20 years—once nominated as teacher of the year. Yet when I supported traditional marriage, they tried to get me fired,” Mendell says in the 30-second television spot.
The second focuses on upholding the current domestic registry. “Every Mainer has a right to love whom they choose but nobody has the right to redefine marriage,” it says.
“Allowing same-sex couples to marry won’t change people’s freedom to speak out and say what they believe,” said Mainers United for Marriage campaign manager Matt McTighe. “Question 1 is about allowing our friends, co-workers and neighbors to have the freedom to marry the person they love.”
The ads are being funded by the National Organization for Marriage, which is currently being outspent in Maine’s marriage equality campaign.
