NOTE FROM JOHN: What's important here is that Maine now becomes the second state to legalize gay marriages through the legislative process. The number one argument that religious right bigots and their Republican and Mormon friends use against permitting gays full civil rights is that only "activist judges" have granted those rights, and if only we would leave it up to the people through their elected representatives. In Vermont and now Maine the elected representatives have legalized gay marriage.
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Just got the big news from Maine: The Governor just signed the same-sex marriage bill.
In the past, Gov. Baldacci had opposed same-sex marriage. But, today he supported marriage equality. This is a big win for the forces of fairness and equality. Congratulations to EqualityMaine and everyone who made it happen. Wow.
So, today, we celebrate. But, the work isn't done. Maine has a referendum process that allows voters to overturn legislation. The anti-gay forces, led by the Catholic Bishop Richard Malone, will probably be mounting a signature drive to get a repeal measure on the ballot. In today's New York Times, the Bishop's flack said the church was going to lobby Baldacci hard -- and now we know that didn't work:
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland will be among the groups lobbying Mr. Baldacci, a Catholic, to veto the bill, as will the Maine Family Policy Council, an affiliate of the Family Research Council in Washington. “We’re going to be on his case,” said Marc R. Mutty, director of public affairs for the diocese.Catholics and the Family Research Council. Great partners, huh?
From what I hear, the field operation put together by EqualityMaine surpasses anything seen before in the state. So, if there is a referendum, our side is ready this time.
UPDATE -- Baldacci's statement:
“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.
