March 14, 2012
AUGUSTA – The Maine Legislature today took the final procedural vote that moves legislation allowing same-sex couples to obtain a marriage license one step closer to the ballot in November.
The vote to indefinitely postpone LD 1860, “An Act to Allow Marriage Licenses for Same-sex Couples and Protect Religious Freedom,” was a necessary step to place the question on November’s ballot without further legislative activity.
“More than 105,000 Mainers signed petitions to put a question on the ballot in November. With today’s vote, the Legislature has moved us one step closer to that outcome,” said Shenna Bellows, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. “Our goal has been to allow Mainers to decide this question, and today’s action moves us closer.”
When presented with a citizen’s initiative, the Legislature can either adopt the language of the legislation without change or send the question to voters.
“Public support for allowing same-sex couples to receive a marriage license is growing,” said Matt McTighe, public education director for Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. “In a poll released last week by Public Policy Polling, 54 percent of Mainers said they support marriage for same-sex couples. People are changing their minds and are willing to support same-sex couples who are ready to make the commitment and accept the responsibility of marriage.”
The Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition supports the votes to indefinitely postpone LD 1860.
“While today’s vote was procedural, we want to thank the Legislature for its actions in advancing freedom to marry legislation to the ballot in November,” said Betsy Smith, executive director of EqualityMaine.
“Lawmakers honored the will of the voters. By expediting the bill’s legislative process, we can continue to discuss this issue with friends, family and neighbors directly,” said Laura Harper, director of public policy at the Maine Women’s Lobby.
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