CARNAL NATION

With 87 percent of precincts reporting, the law permitting same-sex couples to marry in Maine has been repealed. Despite the numbers (53% of the vote), gay marriage supporters have refused to concede; however, the hopes of pulling out the referendum seem dim at best. "We're here for the long haul and whether it's just all night and into the morning, or it's next week or next month or next year, we will be here," said Jesse Connolly, manager of the pro-gay marriage campaign. "We'll be here fighting. We'll be working. We will regroup."

Frank Schubert, chief organizer for the fight against equal rights for all Americans, told reporters, "The institution of marriage has been preserved in Maine and across the nation." Chuck Schott, a foe of equal rights and opportunity in marriage, said that if Maine allowed same-sex marriage, the state "will have its place in infamy." Indeed, it does now have a place in infamy as the only state to repeal a same-sex marriage law passed by its legislature and signed into law by its governor. This defeat comes at what cost? That would be the cost of freedom and equality. The fight for same-sex marriage is far from over. Don't give up.

Shame on you Maine! Shame.