: News

Filed Under:

Opponents Of Gay Marriage In D.C. Cheer Results In Maine

November 5, 2009
Play associated audio
comments

Opponents of same-sex marriage in D.C. are cheering the results of a ballot measure in Maine. Voters in Maine overturned a law allowing marriage for same-sex couples. Pastor Harry Jackson is fighting to put a similar measure on the ballot in D.C.

"It energizes us because of the vast amount of money that was spent in Maine, the way our opponents mobilized themselves from around the country to fight," said Jackson. "They've been doing the same thing in D.C. but still, that voice of the people was heard and that voice prevailed."

In June, the district's Board of Elections ruled a referendum on same-sex marriage would violate the city's Human Rights Act. The board is expected to rule on a second attempt this month. Some supporters of gay marriage say they are confident the board will reject it.

"Comparing Maine to D.C. is a bit of a stretch because D.C. does have a clear policy that it will not put something on the ballot that would allow discrimination," says Sultan Shakir, a field director with the Human Rights Campaign.

The D.C. Council is expected to vote on a same-sex marriage bill this month.

Patrick Madden reports...

Arts & Culture

NPR

A Read Down Memory Lane: Lessons From Your Former Self

Writings from childhood — cards, stories and other notes — can hide for decades, like time capsules tucked away in boxes, old bedrooms, attics and journals. Writer Jim Sollisch talks about how old thank you notes from his youth foreshadowed his adult life.

Food

NPR

Inside A Tart Cherry Revival: 'Somebody Needs To Do This!'

The revival is partly based on the humble sour fruit's growing reputation as a superfood. And in Michigan, a scientist is on a quest to introduce a whole new world of hardier, tastier tart cherries by breeding American trees with ancestral varieties from Eastern Europe.

Politics

NPR

Srinivasan's Confirmation First For D.C. Circuit In 7 Years

The partisan war over judicial nominees has accelerated in recent years. It took nearly a year to win Senate confirmation for Sri Srinivasan to the important federal appeals court for the District of Columbia, though he had no formal opposition.

Technology

NPR

3-D Printer Makes Life-Saving Splint For Baby Boy's Airway

A 3-D printer is being credited with helping to save an Ohio baby's life, after doctors "printed" a tube to support a weak airway that caused him to stop breathing. The innovative procedure has allowed Kaiba Gionfriddo, of Youngstown, Ohio, to stay off a ventilator for more than a year.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.