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An anti-gay ad in Washington is re-using discredited misinformation from other states. We'll have
a side-by-side comparison. New polling shows us with a healthy lead in several states,
but some of the numbers don't quite add up. And new protections from the Obama administration
could save LGBT couples from forced deportation.
At the American Foundation for Equal Rights, I'm Matt Baume, and welcome to Marriage News
Watch for October 15, 2012.
A new anti-gay ad just launched in Washington, and it's a carbon-copy of the same misleading,
hurtful messages running in other marriage battleground states. We'll release an in-depth
takedown of the ad's false claims in a day or two. But in the mean time, take a look
at how our opponents are re-using the same disinformation from one state to the next.
"Gays and lesbians already have the same legal rights as married couples."
"And same-sex couples already have the legal protections of marriage in virtually all matters."
"But marriage is more than just a commitment between adults. It was created for the care
and well-being of the next generation."
"Marriage is more than what adults want for themselves. It's also about the next generation."
"When laws like 74 have occurred elsewhere, people who disagree have faced lawsuits, fines,
and punishment."
"When gay marriage has become law elsewhere, people who disagree with it have been fired,
sued, fined, and punished."
"Don't redefine marriage. Reject 74/Vote no on Question 1."
Polling is still close in the states that will vote on the freedom to marry in just
three weeks. A Public Policy Polling survey in Minnesota shows the proposed marriage ban
losing, but by just four percentage points. The ban is currently at 46 percent support,
and it needs 50 to pass.
Our lead is stronger in Maine, where a proposed marriage equality law has 55 percent support
to 39 percent opposed.
And we have polling data from the Washington Post on three states that don't have marriage
on the ballot -- yet.
The Post shows us ahead in Florida, 54 to 39 percent. In Virginia, they have us leading
by 49 to 40 percent. And in Ohio, the Post shows us ahead by 52 to 37 percent. Now, these
numbers are a little suspect. They're unusually strong in our favor, especially compared with
the trends established by other surveys. And while public support for the freedom to marry
is definitely growing, we should treat the Post's figures with some skepticism.
Meanwhile, this week the Obama administration issued new guidelines for bi-national couples
facing deportation. The memo from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement says that LGBT couples'
marriages should considered when deciding whether immigrants may remain in the country.
Although the federal Defense of Marriage Act still prevents the government from recognizing
those marriages, these new guidelines provide an interim remedy until DOMA can be overturned.
And finally, we're expecting big news in France in just two weeks. Ministers there are expected
to approve a marriage equality law on October 31st.
Those are the headlines. Visit AFER.org/election2012 for ways that you can get involved in Maine,
Minnesota, Maryland and Washington in the remaining days before the election. At the
American Foundation for Equal Rights, I'm Matt Baume. We'll see you next week.