This one is great.

At the equal marriage bill public hearing in Augusta the other day, the atmosphere was remarkably civilized. But occasionally the testimonies weren’t QUITE what one would expect!

First, this testimony from one of the opposition’s star attendees: Bishop Richard Malone of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

Here is an excerpt:

Among those testifying was Roman Catholic Bishop Richard Malone, who said the church has long supported domestic partner laws. But he said the church opposes same-sex marriage, which he characterized as one of several challenges facing traditional marriage.

“We speak in opposition to same-sex marriage because we are deeply concerned about the institution of marriage itself – in this state, and in this nation,” he said.

Here’s another from Village Soup:

Richard Malone, bishop of the Diocese of Portland, said he was speaking for 200,000 Roman Catholics in Maine in opposing the gay marriage bill.

“We support civil rights for all. But we are deeply concerned about the institution of marriage itself,” said Malone. “We are concerned about the high rate of divorce and the increasing rate of single parents. Marriage is not merely a social compact. It is to ensure that the next generation grows up in a secure, balanced environment.”

Let’s go the tape and listen to the Bishop’s testimony in its entireity- again, use headphones!

Well, it seems an earlier bulletin to parishioners issued on Palm Sunday, April 5th of this year, from Bishop Malone (page 2) really “put a bee in the bonnet” of one of his flock.

So much so, that this woman, a Catholic from Farmington, made the trip down to Augusta on Wednesday to say a few things.

Her testimony (in 2 parts) below the fold…Part 1:

And her conclusion:

Well done!

Um, Bishop Malone? Better make that 200,000 199,999…