Gay rights groups detail the effects of referendum

The Maine Civil Liberties Union, Equality Maine and the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders have announced their opposition to a referendum question proposed by the Christian Civic League of Maine.

They argue that the referendum as proposed would:

. Eliminate laws outlawing sexual orientation discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and education.

. Prohibit same-sex couples from adopting children.

. Eliminate home-rule for municipalities that have extended employee benefits such as health insurance to “domestic partners” of municipal employees.

. Prohibit same-sex couples from inheriting from each other if one died without a will.

. Eliminate the ability for same-sex couples who are registered as domestic partners to be on each other’s health insurance policies.

. Discontinue funding for the school-based civil rights teams designed to teach tolerance and reduce bullying.