Here's a comment left on my Facebook page after I let people know that we would be having Jesse Connolly, the campaign manager of No On 1 Maine on The Q Morning Show. Pretty much says it all I think.

ASKING YOUR PERMISSION TO MARRY
My parents divorced when I was 10 years old; combined, our immediate families have experienced eight divorces. Yet, somehow, without strong marital role models, I was blessed to meet the man with which I will spend the rest of my life. This coming July, Paul & I will be celebrating 20 years of our loving, monogamous life together.

A life that includes volunteering for the community, neighborhood activism, serving on boards and committees, and advocating for those in need. We are godparents to nieces and nephews, and have a loving and supportive circle of family, friends, and neighbors. We aren’t rich; we are struggling middle class like most Mainers, but we have what many others do not…a loving partner in life. The only thing we don’t have is a marriage license.

Why does this matter? It matters because I'm not able to be on his insurance; I'm not able to receive his Social Security benefits; even though we have legal documents granting power of attorney, I may not be recognized as his “family” for important decisions such as being able to carry out his wishes for his final resting place. In the eyes of the law, even after 20 years, I am nothing.

I didn't ask to be gay; it’s the way GOD made me. But I am so very grateful that HE blessed me with true love. I wish I didn't have to ask my fellow Mainers for permission to marry and receive the protections and benefits that many other loving couples receive; but, because of this Question One Peoples’ Veto funded mostly by out-of-staters, I do.

So, please, on Nov. 3rd, open your heart, welcome love, and Vote NO on 1! GOD bless you and thank you.

- David Jacobs