East End Business Owner Blasts ME. Republican Platform

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By Carol McCracken  (Post # 2,581)

“This decision is morally wrong and bad for Maine’s economy,” said Heather Sanborn, co-owner of Rising Tide Brewing Co. in the east end of Portland,  in a press release.  “Our business relies on being able to attract the best employees and the best customers..  When our state leaders tell people that they’re not welcome here, that becomes harder, it hurts Maine families and Maine businesses.”

Sanborn was referring to a plank in the Maine Republican’s recently adopted platform for 2016 that is anti-LGBTQ.  VI of the 4-page platform focuses on family values – specifically that marriage is between one man and one woman; that parents only are most capable and responsible to make decision on behalf of their minor children and other principles related to conservative dogma.

“The plank stating that marriage is between only a man and a woman deprives LGBTQs of the basic civil right to marry whomever they choose,” said Will Ikard, Director of the Small Business Coalition.

“Maine has a long tradition of being a welcoming place for all, that’s one of the reasons people love to live, work and play here.” Ikard continued in a press release issued by his office today.  “Unfortunately, this is one more in a string of actions that suggest some in our state want to change that.  First Governor LePage made an end-run around the Constitution to shield Education Commissioner Bill Beardsly from having to answer for comments attacking transgender students.  Then a conservative activist launched a new campaign to use the referendum process to bring back discrimination against same-sex couples.  Now this,  When North Carolina adopted discriminatory policies, the business community responded with closures, moves and boycotts.

I wish that the Maine GOP had learned from that example.”