Brian Camenker of the hate group known as "Mass Resistance" has sent in the paperwork for a petition with AG Coakley's office meant to reverse the repeal of the 1913 law that prevented same sex couples from outside of the state from getting married here in Massachusetts. Camenker may need to get funding in order to hire outside of the state professional signature gatherers that are unafraid to commit fraud like Massachusetts Family Institute (MFI) has hired in the past, but Camenker seems to lack MFI's funds, clout and contacts. It is the opinion of some who follow Camenker's moves closely that this effort is part of an attempt to pull out of a funds crisis. It is doubtful there are any organizations foolish enough to donate their funds or even time and risk their reputation helping a hate group as listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center. More likely this signature gathering will have to come from Brain and an ever shrinking circle of mean spirited bigots he has for allies. Camenker stands little chance of collecting these signatures, but let's be prepared to ensure there are less instances of fraud in this effort than there were in the failed petition effort led by MFI.
Citizens of this state are not interested in rolling back this 1913 law, but it's clear from the past evidence that thousands of people CAN be fooled when professional con artists are involved. If enough people can be duped into signing a petition it will seem like there is at least some public support for the fruitless waste of time that vilifying GLBT people is. There is a limited amount of time left in order to get theses signatures, so remember to be on the lookout for gatherers in shopping centers and elsewhere. Remember you have legal responsibilities if you engage any of the gatherers verbally or otherwise, so know where you stand in regards to the law before you take any action. That said, feel free to forward any information or video to us here at KnowThyNeighbor.org.
KTN will not be providing the public service of listing the names of all signatures on this petition. We believe that it is time to allow the lack of attention this group gets to bring it to a fitting and just end. KnowThyNeighbor.org encourages civil and respectful engagement with those that oppose equality in the hope that the interaction will promote peaceful understanding of equality for all. We'll be doing our part to promote that dialog with our blog and our involvement. Join us by sharing your thoughts!
John Hosty-Grinnell