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CONTACT:  David Farmer, (207) 557-5968

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 2, 2012

‘Civil Unions Are No Substitute’ for Marriage 

PORTLAND – Mainers United for Marriage today launched a new statewide 30-second television ad, which will help the campaign make its closing argument to voters.

In the ad, retired Episcopal Priest Will Brewster and his wife, Arlene, talk about their son Hal and their personal journey to support Question 1, which will allow same-sex couples to receive a marriage license while protecting religious liberty.

“Maine families have shared their stories with their friends, co-workers and neighbors from the first days of this campaign. Through more than 250,000 one-on-one conversations and through our advertisements, we have told the real stories of why marriage matters to all families,” said Matt McTighe, campaign manager for Mainers United for Marriage. “We’ll continue to tell those stories through Election Day.”

Standing together outside, Will and Arlene talk about the day their son told them he is gay.

“Our son Hal led a platoon in Iraq,” says Will.

 Arlene: “When he got back, he sat us down and said, ‘Mom, Dad, I’m gay.'”

Will: “That … that took some getting used to. But we love him and we’re proud of him." 

Arlene: “Our marriage has been the foundation of our lives for 46 years.”

Will: “We used to think civil unions were enough for gay couples.”

Arlene: “But marriage is a commitment from the heart. A civil union is no substitute.”

Will: “Our son fought for our freedoms. He should have the freedom to marry.”

Will Brewster is a fourth generation Episcopal priest and his grandfather was the Episcopal Bishop of Maine.

The ad can be viewed at: www.mainersunited.org/ads.

Mainers United is the coalition to win marriage for all Maine families. A “Yes” vote on Question 1 in November will allow marriage licenses for loving, committed same-sex couples in Maine while also protecting religious freedom.

For more information about the campaign, visit: http://mainersunited.org

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