Maine was the first state in the nation to put same-sex marriage to a popular vote. Would other states follow soon?

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In 2009 the same-sex marriage referendum was put on hold and the law allowing same-sex couples to marry never went in effect. But in 2011, Equality Maine and Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders decided to put the same-sex marriage referendum to a popular vote.

Last night Mainers voted on the question: ‘Do you want to allow the State of Maine to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples?’ and they voted yes.

‘We are extremely grateful for voters in Maine who have open their minds and hearts concerning the same sex marriage,’ said Communications Director David Farmer.

Farmer also said that he hopes that other states can follow Maine’s example and try to change the voters' minds on the issue.

Maine is expected to begin granting same-sex licenses in December. The wording of the current law will be changed to: ‘relating to the marital relationship or familial relationships must be construed to be gender-neutral for all purposes.’

However, churches still have the right to refuse to marry same-sex couples if that goes against their religious beliefs.

Question 1 reads: ‘This chapter does not require any member of the clergy to perform or any church, religious denomination or other religious institution to host any marriage in violation of the religious beliefs of that member of the clergy, church, religious denomination or other religious institution.’

‘Thanks to the hard work of so many marriage supporters here and across the country, we’ve made it possible for every loving, committed couple in Maine to obtain a marriage license from the state, to stand up before their friends and family, and to pledge to be there for one another through good times and bad, through sickness and health for the rest of their lives,’ said Matt McTighe, campaign manager for Mainers United for Marriage.

 

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