Dear friends,

Melissa and Angela have been together 11 years and are raising a young son.  Steve and Jim, together for 30 years, run a small business.  Rita and Sara Jane have eight grandchildren between them, and have been together for 25 years.  All three Maine couples would like to get married - but they can't.

In the new video, "The Way Life Should Be: Marriage in Maine," all six Mainers tell the stories of their lives and relationships, and why they want to get married in Maine.  They discuss everything from parenting to aging, and how their exclusion from marriage affects their lives legally, emotionally, and socially.

"I think marriage isn't just about the other person; it's not just about children; and it's not just about society - it's about all those things together," said Steve, who is featured in video.  "I don't think there's anything I'd rather do than get married to Jim."

This Valentine's Day, hear the stories of 3 loving, committed couples who are being excluded from the protections of marriage.  Tell your friends and family about it.  Then start thinking about what we can do, together, to change the hearts and minds of those around us who don't realize how deeply this affects so many Mainers.

View the movie here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCzJn3PRhfk
Like the movie and want to host a viewing party for your friends?  It's easy!  You provide the place, and we'll do the rest.  Give me a call at 207-774-5444 and I'll send you a free copy to get you started.

Together, we can make sure that one day Melissa and Angela, Steve and Jim, and Rita and Sara Jane can celebrate their love by getting married.

Happy Valentine's Day,
Rachel 

Rachel L. Myers
Field Organizer
Maine Civil Liberties Union
www.mclu.org