Maine is one of the latest success stories in the fight for marriage equality. In November of 2012, the state became the first to legalize gay marriage by popular vote. Domestic partnerships are also recognized in Maine, and gay couples can file joint federal and state tax returns and are eligible for retroactive tax refunds.
The road to the November 2012 victory for gay marriage advocates began on a promising note in 2009. In January of 2009, Maine State Senator Dennis Damon first introduced a bill that would permit Maine gay marriage. Several months later, the State Senate approved the bill but rejected an amendment that would require voters to approve it in a referendum. After the Maine House of Representatives passed the legislation, Governor John Baldacci signed it into law on May 6, 2009, and became the first governor to sign a same sex marriage law.
There was considerable backlash by conservatives to the new gay marriage law. The day after Governor Baldacci signed it an intensive campaign to repeal the measure via voter referendum began. The campaign was successful and the question was put to the voters on the November 3, 2009 ballot. It passed by a narrow margin, repealing the law.
Proponents of Maine gay marriage were not deterred in their efforts to legalize same sex weddings in the state, despite the 2009 setback. They collected enough signatures to put the measure back on the November 6, 2012 ballot, and this time it passed. It went into effect on December 29, 2012 and homosexual weddings were once again legal.
There are several groups that have worked tirelessly to advocate for gay marriage rights and protections in the state of Maine. Mainers United for Marriage played a key role in passing the 2012 ballot initiative. Equality Maine is the leading local organization that promotes marriage equality.
The Maine gay marriage victory can be as a source of inspiration for gay couples in other states who are still prohibited from legally marrying.
