Same-sex marriage became legal in Maine today after Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill after it passed through the state legislature(damn does that sentence remind of the Bill song from School House Rock? Lol) anyways, the governor had this to say on his decision to sign the bill:
"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," said Baldacci, a Democrat.
But he raised the possibility that the residents of the state would overturn the law, saying, "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."
The Human Rights Campaign, a gay and lesbian rights organization, praised Maine's new law.
"This law is simply about making sure that loving, committed couples, and their families, receive equal rights and responsibilities. This is a step that will strengthen Maine families," Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said in a statement.
New Hampshire lawmakers are currently considering a similar bill, but have not reach a decision yet. Maine now joins Iowa, Connecticut, Vermont and Massachusetts as states that marry gay couples. Hopefully this wave of equality will flow down South.
Comments