Video: Maine’s gay marriage petition starts strong

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

Gay marriage supporters in Maine gathered more than 5,000 signatures during the first official day of petition-gathering around the state.

EqualityMaine targeted a number of communities including Portland, Kennebunk, Biddeford, York, Bangor, Ellsworth and Brunswick on Saturday. Their aim was to hit heavily attended summer festivals.

On Sunday, EqualityMaine put the tally at 5,200.

To put gay marriage on the 2012 ballot, organizers need to collect at least 57,277 voters’ signatures by Jan. 30. The bill would first go to the Legislature, which would have an option to pass it.

Earlier this summer, EqualityMaine released a canvassing video entitled The Persuasion, which records a doorstep conversation with a state citizen struggling to reconcile gay marriage rights for her family with her Christian background.