Today, history was made when the Maine House of Representatives voted for marriage equality for all.
http://www.nytimes.com/...
I was struck though by the comments of one young representative in the House of Representatives, Representative Sean Flaherty (D-ME), who voted for marriage equality. The comments struck me because they were genuine and they reflect the sea change in opinion of Millenials on gay rights. His speech also reflected the true leadership qualities of the Millenials. Last November the Democrats steamrolled the Republicans from coast to coast and as history was made with the election of this nation's first black president. In Maine, the voters of House District 127 (covering most of Scarborough Maine) did something they had not done in over 300 years, they elected a Democrat. The victory was impressive for three reasons:
- The Democrats won by a double digit margin over a long-time incumbent (56%-44%).
- The Democrat was largely an underdog and the race was largely overlooked.
- The Democrat, Sean Flaherty, is only 23 years old.
Representative Flaherty is known as a moderate, was elected in a Republican leaning district, and is a freshmen (the most vulnerable of all incumbents). He had the opportunity to take a pass and either not vote on the bill, vote against the bill, or quietly vote yes. Instead he not only voted for marriage equality but felt compelled to give an impromptu speech explaining his unqualified support.
Here is an excerpt of the speech:
Madame Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House,
I was not going to speak today, in fact I actually turned off my light. But then something happened over the course of this debate, I got a few texts messages and e-mails, twitter followers and facebook messages. They were from constituents, from college friends, from supporters, from folks all around the nation are listening in to us today.
Friends, the country is watching us, they are watching to see where a small, proud, and independent State will stand on the issue of equality. And so I wanted to make sure that folks who are watching know exactly where I stand – even if it may cost me reelection. It is more important, that to do what I know is right, than to do what may seem popular.
42 years ago, the Supreme Court found that the right to marry was a constitutionally protected fundamental right when they struck down laws forbidding interracial marriage. It was said then that interracial marriages violated tradition, were morally wrong, and would harm society. But last November, when this country made history and this state overwhelmingly voted for our President, we elected the son of a white mother and a black father who had formed an interracial marriage. Their marriage violated tradition and their marriage was said to be harmful to society. Yet it was their son who grew up to be the president of the United States.
So this country has overcome slavery in the United States, we’ve ensured women the right to vote, and my own great-grandparents, who were Irish, were once prohibited from even apply for many jobs.
Society progresses and makes sure that all people, regardless of their beliefs, must be treated equally. I've heard from so many people in Scarborough who just want to have the equal rights of Marriage for themselves, their friends, their coworkers, and their families. They work hard, play by the rules, pay their taxes, and love this country. I feel strongly about my obligation to vote in favor of granting them such equality.
I was impressed by Representative Flaherty's understanding of history, his eloquence, his committment to equality, and his strong belief that legalizing gay marriage is neccessary for equality. Now the NY Times article quoted him but they didn't mention something critical: a Millenial. It is well known that Millenials are far more supportive of gay rights and gay marriage. But Millenials have yet to fully enter politics. The two most prominent Millenial elected officials Luke Ravenstahl, the Democratic Mayor of Pittsburgh, and Aaron Schock, the Republican Representative from Illinois are not known as supporters of marriage equality (interesting in the case of Schock who many believe will give David Dreier a run for his money in the category of best dressed and most eligible bachelor of the Republican Party) or gay rights. This has left me wondering if our Millenial officials will truly represent the values of the Millenial Generation.
Now I've never been to Maine and being from Southern California, I am the farthest away from Maine as any American in the contiguous 48 states. But I can say that as a Millenial and as a gay man, Representative Flaherty represents me and represents our generation.
This line in particular really stands out to me:
And so I wanted to make sure that folks who are watching know exactly where I stand – even if it may cost me reelection. It is more important, that to do what I know is right, than to do what may seem popular.
Millenials have often been painted as a more selfish generation. I have never thought of this as a fair characterization but I am a Millenial and so I am not an unbiased source. But today,this Millenial representative took a huge risk to do what was right. That demonstrates courage, selflessness, and true leadership.
The speech given by Representative Flaherty has shown not just a talented young legislator, but a young political leader who is willing to stand up for the values and beliefs of his generation and take a stand on gay rights.