Maine Won't Discriminate, No on One

A fisherman with a heavy New England accent speaks to the camera, saying, "I work hard, earn every dollar I make, I just want to be left alone. I don't like people telling me what to do, whether it's the government or people from away.

"Now these outsiders come to Maine, trying to pass Question 1. Question 1 is just trying to tell us how to live our lives. There's not many times I can think when more government interference has ever helped me. Tell the outsiders to go home. Vote no on Question 1, it just isn't Maine."

Well, it wasn't Maine at first. Question 1, which didn't pass, attempted like Amendment 2 in Colorado to keep municipalities from passing pro-gay ordinances. And in 1998, the state passed a law that banned discrimination in credit, housing and employment based on sexual orientation.

However, anti-gay activists collected enough signatures to vote on the measure and had it repealed. Another vote is scheduled in the state to decide whether to allow anti-discrimination laws to protect gays.

Like commercials from other states in the political battle for protecting gay civil rights, this ad never mentions the words "gay or lesbian." It was a decision that proved controversial to some, who felt that the ads were too vague, while others felt that a broader approach was necessary to avoid turning off many voters.