Heartbreaking loss in Maine

The No on 1 campaign in Maine was up against a Goliath of money and hate that is the anti-gay lobby of NOM and its various front groups. And even though the referendum passed, we saw an amazing swell of selflessness and inspiration as supporters of equality from across the nation flooded into the state to do their part.

Loving, committed same-sex couples in Maine have lost something so essential and dear and central to being an American family, and that makes our conversation in Iowa even more important.

With the heart breaking loss of marriage equality in Maine, anti-gay groups like The National Organization for Marriage will turn their attention back to Iowa, trying once again to mire us in a divisive fight, pitting neighbor against neighbor, at a time when we should be standing together and getting our state back on track.

We cannot not longer afford the luxury of letting others be our voice. As we saw in Maine, our opposition disregards the truth, playing instead to fear and prejudice. We must be heard over their divisive venom if we are to keep our hard-won freedom.

Here's how you can help:

• Attend a One Iowa public forum. Become part of our civil discourse on civil marriage.
• Tell your story. Education is our most effective tool in opening hearts and minds across Iowa.
• Volunteer for a One Iowa phone bank. You can do this in our office, or from the comfort of your own home.
• Contact your legislator and let him or her know you do not support a constitutional amendment, and you want their focus to be on issues facing everyone, like the economy, jobs and education.
• Join your legislator's facebook page, and keep in contact with other equality-minded people in your district.
• Make a donation to One Iowa. With the loss in Maine, we will need your support to counteract the hateful messages of NOM and its front groups.