It was a day of celebration for advocates of gay marriage when Maine democratic governor John Baldacci signed the gay marriage bill shortly after the legislation passed through the senate. The same-sex marriage bill called LD 1020 received a 21-13 vote in the Maine Senate, since the margin is so small the bill cannot override a veto. The bill allows marriage between any two people rather than Maine's current law, which allows marriage between one man and one woman. The bill specifies that religious institutions are able to reject gay marriage based upon their beliefs and practices. Baldacci said that "In the past he opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions, and he has come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, while understanding a civil union is not equal to a civil marriage." Maine's new gay marriage law is set to take effect in mid-September, but could be delayed before that date. Many Maine citizens oppose the new law, and promise that they will challenge it through a veto process, which will require a statewide vote. All bills passed this legislation session will go into effect on the 91st day after the legislation adjourns. Groups that want to repeal this legislation must submit their application to the Secretary of State's office. This bill is very likely to bring about a referendum; therefore gay couples shouldn't get their hopes up about getting married in the very near future. Maine passed this legislation through the Senate and House of Representatives, and the same bill was proposed to New Hampshire legislation who will vote to pass or turn down. There is much controversy over this new piece of legislation that Maine passed, and there will continue to be controversy. Civil marriage is seen as separate from civil unions in Maine, and our legislature views it in the same way. This piece of legislation will not come into effect at the expected date because of the amount of opposition and repeals that legislation will receive from Maine citizens. Ultimately, a state-wide vote will be held which will determine the future of the gay marriage bill. Maine has become the fourth-state in this region to allow same sex marriage, along with Connecticut, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Every state in New England besides Rhode Island and New Hampshire has passed a gay marriage bill, although similar legislation is being passed through their governments. 

Source: Bangor Daily