Maine passes law allowing same sex marriage

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=104274&catid=2

For the first time in many years I am proud of the state of Maine. I hope this trend continues across the coutry, and more people are able to openly profess their lifelong comitment to the person they love.

Now I have a question!!! How long after a law passes can people begin getting married???? The groom and groom want to know, I want to be there to catch the flowers!

CSP Sheli

 

[rpmdfw]

While this is great news, it is by no means the law yet.

The governor of Maine still has to sign it. Indicators are they he is inclined to exercise his veto power and kill it.

Let's hope that he surprises us.

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

He signed it! Less than 10 mins ago!

Governor Signs Same Sex Marriage Bill
Maine Associated Press
Last update: 10 minutes ago
The Governor has signed into law a bill that legalizes same sex marriage in Maine.
The Maine Legislature gave final approval of a gay marriage bill this morning and governor signed it into law this afternoon.

Maine is now the fifth state to allow gay marriage. Four states now allow same-sex marriages: Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa by court orders and Vermont through legislation. New Hampshire's Legislature is actively considering a gay marriage bill.

 

[rpmdfw]

And of course as soon as I posted that, Advocate updates it's website to announce that he signed it.



shows what I know

 

[Nie0214]

The governor signed it. I would not be surprised if 55,000 signatures were gathered to halt the law and put it on referendum to the people in November though.

I'm proud of Maine. Maybe it will boost our local economy to have some more summer weddings here!

 

[rpmdfw]

Apparently there is still a possiblity for a referendum or "people's veto" in Maine.

If they can't gather enough support to do that, then gay marriage will be legal 90 days after the legislative session ends.

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

The whole peoples veto thing as a huge wrench in the works. This state is half modern and half back woods/pre civil war. UGH!

June 17ish the legislative session ends. Opponents have until Sept 17ish to collect 55k signatures to bring it to peoples vote (but if they want to make the Nov. Ballots they have to get it in before Sept 3ish.)
I am confused what will happen if they get the 55k signatures but turn it in after Sept 3...then they can't bring it to public vote until summer 2010, well after the law should be in effect.

GRRR! I was excited about this for a few minutes, then I remembered how a$$backwards this state really is! UGH!!!

 

[rpmdfw]

But it's progress!

And ANY progress is good progress!

At least it's not like Florida where we've already got a Constitutional amendment banning it AND civil unions.

 

[wallyb]

I'm still proud of my home state!
Good for them!

 

[rosiep]

I'm still proud of my home state!
Good for them!

-For Maine for signing the bill although Boston don't like them for having sent Wally....

 

[wallyb]

-For Maine for signing the bill although Boston don't like them for having sent Wally....

Boston is quite happy with me as a resident - I pay taxes.

 

[rosiep]

Boston is quite happy with me as a resident - I pay taxes.

I hear they're negotiating with Rhode Island to take you. People are pitching in to pay your percentage of taxes.....

That's what I hear anyway...

 

[mikelan6]

It's great that Maine will be the next state we can marry in. Good for them.

 

[rpmdfw]

I hear they're negotiating with Rhode Island to take you. People are pitching in to pay your percentage of taxes.....

That's what I hear anyway...

Rosie, how many times do we have to tell you that the things you "hear" from the voices inside your head, aren't to be trusted?

 

[soulmates]

It's happening, state by state. I'm hopeful my state will follow!!

 

[rosiep]

Rosie, how many times do we have to tell you that the things you "hear" from the voices inside your head, aren't to be trusted?

But this time they insisted it was true!

 

[wallyb]

Rosie, how many times do we have to tell you that the things you "hear" from the voices inside your head, aren't to be trusted?

Unless they say ... JUMP!

 

[NHdisneylover]

Good for MaineI hope there is no refereendum and if there is that it fails miserably (could happen).
Up in the same neck of the woods New Hampshire is darned close. I am keeping my fingers crossed for that one--maybe Maine will push things on over. NH already has Civil Unions, but full equality in name and law is what they are looking at now.

 

[Sphyrna]

This is great news!! Forgive my ignorance on the legalities, but here's my question. What happens if you're a gay couple married in Maine then move to a state that doesn't support gay marriage?

 

[PghLybrt]

This is great news!! Forgive my ignorance on the legalities, but here's my question. What happens if you're a gay couple married in Maine then move to a state that doesn't support gay marriage?

PA will not recognize it. Although PGH does have a domestic partnership registry.



http://blogs.mcall.com/capitol_ideas/2009/04/metcalfe-homosexuality-a-sinful-choice.html

A nice little tidbit about how one of my local state reps feels about me! (well all of us really)