MAINE LEGALIZES SAME-SEX MARRIAGE!!!

Source: Maine Governor Press Release

Governor John E. Baldacci today signed into law LD 1020, An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom.

“I have followed closely the debate on this issue. I have listened to both sides, as they have presented their arguments during the public hearing and on the floor of the Maine Senate and the House of Representatives. I have read many of the notes and letters sent to my office, and I have weighed my decision carefully,” Governor Baldacci said. “I did not come to this decision lightly or in haste.”

“I appreciate the tone brought to this debate by both sides of the issue,” Governor Baldacci said. “This is an emotional issue that touches deeply many of our most important ideals and traditions. There are good, earnest and honest people on both sides of the question.”

“In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions,” Governor Baldacci said. “I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.”

“Article I in the Maine Constitution states that ‘no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor be denied the enjoyment of that person’s civil rights or be discriminated against.’”

“This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State,” Governor Baldacci said.

“It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government.”

“Even as I sign this important legislation into law, I recognize that this may not be the final word,” Governor Baldacci said. “Just as the Maine Constitution demands that all people are treated equally under the law, it also guarantees that the ultimate political power in the State belongs to the people.”

“While the good and just people of Maine may determine this issue, my responsibility is to uphold the Constitution and do, as best as possible, what is right. I believe that signing this legislation is the right thing to do,” Governor Baldacci said.

Read more: http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Gov+News&id=72146&v=Article-2006

New England leading the way!!!

:woohoo:

New England is just catching up to Iowa. :headbang: :applause:

venues will be getting a boost from this!

But Vermont and Mass have gogeous places to have weddings, too!

this law would not take effect until some time after the Legislature is out of session. As I recall, it would be September at the earliest.

To force a referendum would only take about 50,000 signatures, I'm fairly sure that the opponents will get them, forcing deferral of this taking effect until after November balloting.

But, I have faith in the good people of Maine, and look forward to watching fundie heads explode when they see the first time the people of a state have affirmatively ratified equal marriage!

And the momentum keeps rolling. It's going to be a happy dinner tonight at the Maine Civil Liberties Union party.

Ooops. I just gave away a piece of the secretive gay agenda.

Maine, :yourock: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

:thumbsup:

For now, I think we should try to focus on getting this done at the state level, preferably by legislatures and voters, but also by way of state courts, if possible.

The US Supreme Court will eventually have to intervene to urge along the Mississippi's and Alabama's of the country.

Civil right for ALL

they're on our team :D

I can see in about five years or so, perhaps ten to fifteen states will have equal marriage laws on the books. We still have about thirty that have discrimination staining their constitutions, and I cannot see reversal in more than a very few of those cases, like CA, OR, and MI, for instance.

At the time the Supreme Court threw out bans on interracial marriage with Loving vs. Virginia, only a handful of places had these ugly laws, and they were spottily enforced, if at all. They also dated from a hundred years earlier, enacted after the Civil War. Today's bans on equal marriage are fairly fresh law, enacted by votes of the citizens of the states where they exist.

It's going to be tougher for the Supreme Court to override that, especially since the only replacements President Obama is going to make are just going to be for votes we had anyway. We really don't want a full Supreme Court decision coming down that has the power of stare decisis for years to come.

Full faith and credit is probably the way to go. Right now, about half of the states allow first cousin marriage, and half don't. First cousins who marry in a state where that is allowed are entitled by FFC to have their marriages recognized by a state they move to that would not have allowed them to marry. We can live with that for awhile, while waiting for older fundies to die off.

Maine is becoming a great progressive state ! I look forward to my next trip to that wonderful state.

The official soft drink of the State of Maine

Or something like that.

Maine. I went to college there, fell in love there, got engaged there, and had some of the best times of my life on that gorgeous coast.

I love it, and, today, I love it even more ..............................

hell we might as well have that saying for something positive :shrug:

Two women that work with my wife had to go to Canada to tie the knot legally a few years ago. Then we had a nice reception here in Florida.


I love it when some politicians get on the right side of history.

He hasn't been the greatest governor, but with one stroke of his pen, he goes done in history as the first governor to sign marriage equality into law!

Hey, this is a race I hope everyone wins, though!

"“This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State,” Governor Baldacci said."

Love this line.

I want to punch people who think that their religion trumps mine. Why should YOUR religious beliefs prevent my friends from getting married who don't share them, and in fact belong to a religion that supports them and their choice to marry.

5 down. 45 to go.

Bingo. I can't fucking stand these people who insist others, often outside of their religion, pay the price for their religious beliefs. It's the same for abortion, contraceptive prescriptions, any sort of sexual self expression and not to long ago, interracial marriage, women's suffrage or integration.

separate, then we risk one religion taking over and demanding we live their way or death (like certain Arabic countries)

Perfectly stated by the Governor.

They either have short memories or they conveniently forget that churches are not part of the government.

:popcorn:

All the good spots are booked for weddin's!

:popcorn: Couldja let me know if it's gonna be on cable:popcorn:

:woohoo:

or my marriage"....I wish all fucking republicans felt this way....Equal & all rights for ALL!

I'm sure it was some far-left wacko who came up with that.

none of us are equal until all of us are equal. The institution of marriage is weakened for all when its not offered to all:)

I love this state for so many reasons....I am very happy to add one more.

:bounce:

Woo hoo!

The wingnuts will ollecting signatures to overturn this law in a November referendum, probably before the sun sets.

time they collected signatures they fell way short. Hopefully the same thing happens this time and it never gets on the ballot. If it does, we can outwork the wingers and win the vote.

and to be honest, the language was REALLY confusing on the ballot question. I can imagine 2% filled in yes when they meant no.

:shrug:


The language that appeared on the ballot:

Do you want to reject the law passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation with respect to jobs, housing, public accommodations and credit?

This legislation amends the Maine Human Rights Act to make it unlawful to discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation in decisions regarding employment, housing, access to public accommodations and the extension of credit. Religious organizations are exempt from this new provision.

This legislation was approved by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor in May, 1997. Petitioners subsequently collected a sufficient number of signatures of registered voters to refer the legislation to the people for approval or disapproval at a statewide election. Its effect has been suspended pending the outcome of the election.

A "YES" vote is in favor of the people's veto and disapproves the legislation.

A "NO" vote is in opposition to the people's veto and approves the legislation.



edited to add ballot language

Don't mind me. I'm just the pessimistic, misanthropic type. :dunce:

All the more reason I'll be doing what I can to support equality this time.

This time the Maine Christian Civic League has the Catholic Church on its side.

They have 90 days to get the signatures once the Legislature adjourns. I pray to God (and, yes, I really do) that they fail.

Getting 55,000 sigs by this November may be tough, but if they have until 2010 then I could imagine them doing it.

Oops I see my question was answered right above. A few months...

How dangerous will this be?

I guess at worst, it pushes the issue to the USSC even faster. If two states have stripped a group of their civil rights, that may mean the final arbiter is the USSC. I'd love to see them rule on that issue: how can people at the ballot strip civil rights (which are inherent in the law, and don't come from the law, but before the law) by majority vote?

:toast:

I love Maine. What a beautiful state.

K&R

Next thing you'll know, they'll be in your house, breaking up your marriage! Luckily, a rainbow coalition of really bad actors is there to fight against this injustitude!

hope this continues to move slowly but steadily

... Who would have thought that Maine would ever be as progressive as Iowa?

What a day!

Today, the NH House will vote to concur with the amendment made to the gay marriage bill by the Senate. If they do, the bill will go to Governor Lynch today, and he'll have five days to sign it. I'm listening to a live stream of House proceedings right now, and I'll keep everyone posted.

It's so good to get good news after all those years of bad. Another victory for human rights!, oh, and K&R

:bounce:

Good for Maine! Hope my native New York gets on the wagon soon.

Even back when I was a Freeper, I was pro-gay rights, so I'm very glad to see so many states approving this. One by one, the dominoes tip!

Upholding the Constitution, it's the right thing to do for ALL states.

:hi:

:applause:

I cannot believe the idiots in my so-called progressive state did not sanction equal rights before the rest of the country! (and is trying to do the opposite, no allusions to Myth California USA and her "opposite" marriage.) The only thing I can say is that my FABULOUS city did get the train rolling in 2004 when our mayor opened City Hall to same sex couples. But seriously, whatever it takes to give constitutional rights to ALL American citizens, I don't care about the order. I just want the reactionary fundies to go the f@#$ away and let equality reign. They're just standing in the way of the inevitable, can't they see that??

hip hip h00ray.... another state joins the "smarter than a rock" column

I love New England! :bounce:

Get a few more.
Then target UTAH!

I'm really impressed how the Prop 8 thing has totally backfired on those Mormon goons. It seems like states right and left are saying "no to 8" right and left.

Bravo Maine, Bravo!

And it's clear that the more people are exposed to GLBT folk that they become more accepting. The recent polls bear this out. So the dems should push hard on this issue. It will remove the wedge and the GOP won't be able to use it for very much long.

But for today, good on Maine!!!

:grouphug:
Congrats to Maine!

Well done, New England.
Wicked proud.:thumbsup:

Which state is next in the ball's path??

Congratulations, Maine!!!!! :party: :toast: :headbang: :woohoo: :applause:

New Hampshire is about to do it from what I hear, so come on Rhode Island!

Haha! That's the title my dad and I affectionately give to people from Maine. Anyway, wonderful news! Only Rhode Island and New Hampshire left and one full area of the United State will have legalized gay marriage. YEAHHHHHHHH! :) :party: :toast: :bounce: :thumbsup: :pals: :fistbump: :headbang: :yourock: :applause: :patriot:

too bad the Mormons don't have enough money to propagandize all 50 states!

:sarcasm:

:woohoo:

As if the LDS have any right to interfere with other states when the worst of so-called 'families' emanate from their own state & religion.
Guess they don't feel they need to clean up their own back yard when they can tell the neighbors how their own should be.

If anything, all these states approving same sex unions just may shame Californians enough into doing what is right (and dam the propaganda!): Equal rights for ALL.

Congratulations Maine! I'm SO proud of you all!

I look forward to the day my state joins the rest of the civilized world.

5 states in the union still more progressive than California. Seriously, the more I think about Prop 8 the angrier it makes me.

well done.

And that's a good thing.

Welcome to the club!! :woohoo:

:applause: :applause: :applause:

Pass a law and have the governor confirm it. Kudos to him and the legislature.

:bounce:
good for them

Also, I recommend staying inside today just in case the sky starts falling...

I'm SO PROUD to be a Mainer today.

and so the quicksand goes.

:P to New Hampster.

:D

:eyes:

Let's hear it for the change of heart by the guv.:toast:
Here's hoping that you don't have your on version of Prop. Hate on the ballot.

Caught the Black-people-have-the-mark-of-Cain, polygamist, planet-hopping-God loving Church of Latter Day Nutjobs by surprise.

no going back now.

coming to my beautiful state: http://lobstershacktwolights.com/ the Lobster Shack which has some of the damn best seafood and gorgeous view! :9

... I have always to sit and watch the ocean and eat lobster rolls in Maine.

I now have a place to go ...... thanx.

..... the Christian Fundamentalist insurgency is in its "last throes".

:toast:

suit, since the recession is hurting everyone and tourism can help to ease the pain.

Great going Maine, up yours bigoted Thugs.

I wonder how many states will join the group of states that allow same sex marriage? I'm going to take a blind guess at about 1/3 of them for the immediate future. That should be about 17. We'll see. Others will slowly join over time. There will be some very long time holdouts.

or be the end of the world, the more support their will be. i am happy to see the number of states accepting equal rights. i hope soon this will be everywhere.

opportunity for voters to take away a particular group's civil rights?

that marriage rights for gay and lesbian citizens is not a religious issue but a civil issue. Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc. may decide whether to confer spiritual recognition of a same-gender communion but it is not the place of citizens of any religion to deny the civil rights of another.

Good for Maine. Alas I live in Georgia so until I move away or the U.S. Supreme Court issues a favorable ruling on the issue this will not be an option for me. But I am so happy for those across this country that now enjoy equal civil rights and have their relationships, both the rights and responsibilities, legally recognized.

:bounce::applause::bounce:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/06/AR2009050601681.html?hpid=topnews

They allow comments on EVERYTHING, but this... nada. What are they afraid of?

I swear, they're just getting worse and worse...

Perhaps that's because people know their neighbors and are not threatened by the gay couples they know?

Socialism, teh gay agenda, swine flu.

Coincidence???

Ha! We're making the baby Jesus angry!11!1

:toast: :bounce: :beer: :fistbump: :woohoo: :applause: :patriot:

I am one proud and happy gay Mainer today!

:hug:

:hug:

And we beat NH! :fistbump: I do hope they're right behind us with making equality, reality!

but what's with Rhode Island holding out in New England? We gotta get the Family Guy to start pressuring them up there.

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

It IS the right thing to do. "Belief" in this issue belongs to the side of selfishness, intolerance and hate.

We don't have to "believe" in a fairness....it just IS.

:bounce:

:yourock:

they need to take some lessons from New England. Hey life is too short, everyone should be happy!!

to say, but I find it difficult to express just how happy I am.

To every gay person in Maine out there, I say welcome to the state of wedded bliss....

The day that the first Southern state legalizes gay marriage will be landmark. Legend.

very proud, indeed.

:evilgrin: Hooray

www.firstprioritypay.com <-- Online Payroll Needs

bad for me. My state (NY) drags its feet while all its neighbors are advancing marriage rights. I hope we don't end up like Calif.

The wingnuts heads are going to explode with all of these gay marriage victories in the last 6 weeks.

Soon we're going to be able to make a map of all of the states with gay marriage, or where polls have shown a majority of the voters support gay marriage, and it'll tell the story of how the GOP is screwing themselves over farther in important swing states by using gay marriage as a wedge issue.

The NE is becoming very gay marriage friendly, though I'm not sure what our Governor here in NH is going to do on this latest bill. I know the hate filled right-wing bigots are running ads trying to push him to veto it. Republicans are filled with idiocy.

Moxie:


Acadia National Park:


Yes, right in time for wedding season and then the summer. Summer in Maine is so lush. Happy HONEYMOONS! :fistbump:

“It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government.”

That's the mark of a Governor.

Only "Girlie men" are too afraid to sign into law that which the legislature has passed several times.

Maine... Vermont... Massachusetts...

Come on NH - let today be our day too!

even under the "threat" of a veto.
Do You Hear That, congress?