Flash mob protests Maine legislation

Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) and community and allies from the University of Cincinnati protested in a Day of Silence and “flash mob,” Tuesday, Nov. 10, in response to Maine's vote to repeal the legislation involving same-sex marriage.

In May, the Maine legislature and Gov. John Baldacci, approved a bill that would allow same-sex marriage.

On Nov. 3, the law was repealed by referendum after citizens of Maine voted against passing the law – striking the state's opportunity to allow same-sex couples to wed.

Despite the bill passing through Senate, the House of Representatives and Governor, there are explanations as to why and how a bill can be still be repealed.

“Most states have procedures called the initiative or referendum, whereby citizens by popular vote can in effect repeal statutes passed by the state legislature, or overrule court decisions that are based on state law,” said Michael Solimine, a UC professor of law. “I believe the former situation occurred in Maine, where the popular vote overturned legislation that would have legalized same-sex marriage.”

Whether repealing the law was justified or not remains a controversial issue.

“Unless, and until, the United States Constitution is held to require same-sex marriage, I imagine that same-sex marriage will remain illegal in Maine,” said Darrell Miller, a UC assistant law professor.

Second-year sociology student Blake Jelley is the secretary of UC Alliance and lead organizer of Impact Cincinnati who and helped create the flash mob demonstration on campus.

During election week, Jelley was in Maine working on the campaign to support same-sex marriage.

“I was working on that campaign because LGBTQ rights are something that I’ve always fought for,” Jelley said. “It means a lot more to me now after seeing democracy and voting rights used against you on voting day. Seeing the families and couples heartbroken on the day those rights were taken away really affects you and is something you never forget.”

At 12:20 p.m., members of the flash mob gathered on MainStreet to represent the repealed legislation.

“Flash mobbing is a different form of protest that uses actions and body language as opposed to words,” Jelley said. “It’s much more effective because most people haven’t seen it – most people are used to seeing protesters with signs and screaming. When people take the time to watch you they take the time to absorb your actions and think about what you’re doing.”

The protesters mouths were covered in duct tape to represent the Day of Silence – a protest against harassment of those involved in the LGBTQ community. They also wore T-shirts that displayed their mission to communicate with and educate onlookers.

“Our shirts on the front will say ‘Are you listening?’ and they won’t be able to hear us because we’re being silenced,” Jelley said.

The back of the shirts displayed different sayings,among them: “I mean, if Britney and K-Fed can do it …,” “Love is equal” and “We the people – that means ALL of us.”

Students stormed the area and stopped to hold a unique pose for five minutes while displaying their messages for all to see. Some participants posed as though they were crying, some hugging, some hiding, which caused most passersby to stop and gaze at the event.

“Our positions are supposed to show what being silenced looks like,” Jelley said.

A large banner was held high that read, “This is what being silent looks like. Five years since Ohio’s DOMA. One year since California’s Prop Eight. And now Maine. Over 1,200 Marriage Rights Stripped From Americans. ARE YOU LISTENING?”

During the same five minutes, radical demonstrators from PinPoint Evangelism were on McMicken Commons opposing same-sex marriage among other ideas.

When the five minutes ended, applause rose from the onlookers.

“I think it’s really deep and touching,” said Quinesha Dinkins, a third-year bio-psychology student. “I think the way they used actions instead of words is more effective than talking or yelling.”

The crowd didn't only notice those that posed, either.

“I think it was very powerful,” said Hanna Lavallee, a second-year history student. “You could see it in the faces of people that passed by.”

Altogether, Jelley felt the protest was a success.

“I feel very empowered,” Jelley said after the event. “We spoke to peoples’ hearts today without actually speaking.”

Currently, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and Iowa are the only states that perform same-sex marriages. Maine has recognized domestic partnerships since 2004.