“The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee voted 11-2-1 today in support of a bill to allow gay marriage in Maine. Eleven members voted in favor of the bill, two voted against it, and one voted to send it to referendum. The vote was briefly interrupted when a woman began yelling at legislators because she wanted them to reject the bill. Elaine Graham of Farmington was escorted from the Statehouse by Capitol Police, but will not face charges. The bill will now move forward to the full Senate for consideration.” [Maine Today]
Cam
Hmm, It looks like I’m going to have to figure out a way to spend some money in Iowa and Maine. 🙂
Bruno
@Cam:
I think this could end up being a long process. It does look like the legislature might sail the bill through, and then the governor’s possible veto is a question. But surely there will be a “People’s veto” if the bill passes…I just don’t know if that means they’ll hold off on implementing the bill’s legality until that’s settled or not.
People’s veto info: http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/List_of_People%27s_Veto_ballot_measures_in_Maine
Note how many times they’ve already voted on gay rights, with mixed results.
Keep in mind this is *NOT* like prop 8. It could only veto a law, not amend the constitution of Maine.
Steve
The polling data from Maine shows that a successful “peoples veto” is not likely to succeed. The population is now evenly split, and has been moving toward supporting equal marriage rights. http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=252291
I expect Maine will pass the marriage equality statute, by a wide enough margin that a veto wouldn’t matter. Then the Governor will sign it, knowing that he will lose support if he doesn’t.
ChristopherM
Seriously Queerty, is anyone going to address the exit of Japhy?
Alec
@Steve: I’d like to believe that, but Maine has a decidedly mixed record on gay rights. They rejected employment discrimination protection twice before approving it in 2005.
Things may have changed, and I’m happy to be proven wrong. But Proposition 8 polled poorly in the early days, keep in mind.
Bruno
@Alec:
Yes, and the upshot is, there WILL be an attempt at a People’s Veto, they WILL get enough signatures for such, and in all likelihood the people could vote against gay marriage by a small margin. Just like with prop 8.
Jon from Maine
I live in Maine and my partner of 30 yrs and I would love to have the same legal rights as other married couples. If this does not pass I am refusing to pay taxes until I am treated equally…Jon
sparkle obama
@ChristopherM:
i didn’t like his attitude.
Captain Freedom
@Bruno:
How dare you Bruno! This isn’t a time to be pessimistic! If Maine’s legislature legalizes marriage equality it would be WAY DIFFERENT from California.
First off, the electorate has noticeably shifted since November. In Plymouth ME, a hearing for same-sex marriage turned out far many more supporters than opponents. The supporters are energized and ready.
In 2005, 55% of Mainers turned down a “peoples veto” to take away gay rights in other fields.
Not to mention Maine is a small state and one that we could much better run a campaign in. We learned a lot of lessons from Prop 8.
YES WE CAN!