Maine Inches Ever Closer to Full Gay Marriage Rights
Maine state senator Dennis Damon received a standing ovation yesterday at a public hearing on LD 1020, a bill extending marriage rights to Maine's same-sex couples. Damon, the bill's sponsor, believes his legislation is important because it "recognizes the worth of every man and woman among us." Though Maine has provided domestic partnerships for same-sex couples since 2004, the rights fall short of those received through marriage. Companion bill LD 1118, also a topic of yesterday's hearing, would expand domestic partnerships to offer all the rights of marriage.
While passage of either bill is uncertain, many commentators are hopeful, and cite the bills' 60 co-sponsors and its positive reception in the state legislature as good signs. Although Governor John Baldacci has previously stated that he would not support marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples, he has indicated that he is keeping an open mind about the bill. It was expected that Baldacci would veto the bill if it passed the House and Senate, as happened in both California and Vermont.
A Bangor Daily News poll of 400 Maine residents asking their "position on the issue of marriage for gay and lesbian couples and civil unions" indicates some more positive news:
- 39.3% selected: "Support for full marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples."
- 34.5% said they, "Support gay and civil unions or partnerships, but not gay marriage."
- 23% said they, "Oppose any legal recognition for gay and lesbian couples."
The poll shows a 9% increase since 2004 in those supporting full marriage rights.
The bills' reception is important due to Maine's referendum process, which allows voters to effectively veto a law passed by the state's legislature. Such an initiative could resemble California's Proposition 8, the 2008 proposition reversing the California's Supreme Court ruling that extended marriage rights to same-sex couples.
While both bills still have a long way to go before coming law, many are still hopeful that the goal to bring full marriage equality to New England by 2012 is still within reach.
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