Queer n There	Queer n There Archive

Ogunquit, Maine-- If you're searching for a vacation spot but want to avoid discrimination, you could do worse than come to Ogunquit, Maine. True enough, Maine voters repealed the state's gay rights law last fall, but the margin was small and the turnout scanty. Other laws remain on the books protecting people with a sexual orientation. If you're thinking of going to Maine to interfere "with another person's right to engage in lawful activities" based on their object of lust, for instance, think again: you're looking at up to a $5,000 fine. Best of all are the laws that aren't on the books-- like a sodomy law. Maine doesn't have one. And last fall's defeat at the polls, stinging though it be, has only galvanized the resolve, armored the will, and silver-coated the tongues of those who stand for justice.

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Consider the "Proclamation of Non-Discrimination Resolve" recently approved by Ogunquit's town council. "Whereas the residents of Ogunquit have historically welcomed residents, families, friends, and their guests," the proclamation begins, raising and then quickly putting to rest the possibility of Ogunquit's residents rejecting themselves. "And whereas a large part of our tourist community is diverse as to their race, creed, color, sex, nationality, and sexual orientation," the town fathers continue, "and whereas, the Town endorses the spirit and intent of non-discrimination and tolerance, and whereas the Town will enforce the law and support the right of all to enjoy their basic human rights, now therefore we, the Municipal Officers of the Town of Ogunquit, do hereby proclaim to resolve this 2nd day of June, 1998, our support to the spirit of non-discrimination... and urge all citizens to join in helping to increase public awareness of this issue."

There you have it: all the makings of a carefree vacation in "the beautiful place by the sea."