Maine Goes For Marriage

Equality Maine held a press conference today to announce a marriage equality bill to be presented to the state legislature.

At a State House press conference today, EqualityMaine and several coalition partners unveiled a bill that would extend civil marriage rights to same-sex couples in Maine. The bill, titled "An Act to Prevent Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom," is sponsored by Sen. Dennis Damon (D-Hancock). Damon recently sponsored an amendment to extend to domestic partners the protections currently provided in Maine’s Family Medical Leave law. EqualityMaine and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) convened the Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition to carry out a coordinated plan for education and advocacy on marriage equality. Other coalition partners include the Maine Civil Liberties Union; the Maine Women’s Lobby; the Portland Chapter of the NAACP; Maine People’s Alliance; and the Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence.

Equality Maine claims to have a pro-marriage equality majority in both chambers of the state legislature. Similar bills are coming in Vermont and New Hampshire. Maybe "Six By Twelve" will happen sooner than planned?