Same-sex marriage in Maine

On May 6, 2009, a bill to allow same-sex marriage in Maine was signed into law by Governor John Baldacci following legislative approval.

[7][8][9] Until the referendum result rejected the law, it appeared that Maine would be the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage through the legislative process with a governor's signature, rather than following a judicial ruling.

[10] Both U.S. senators from Maine, Republican Susan Collins and Independent Angus King, support same-sex marriage.

In January 2009, Senator Dennis Damon introduced a bill titled An Act To End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom to allow same-sex couples to marry in Maine.

[18] Governor John Baldacci previously opposed allowing same-sex couples to marry, but said he was keeping an open mind.

[20][21] On April 30, the Senate approved the bill 20–15 in a preliminary vote accepting the Judiciary Committee's majority "Ought To Pass" report.

[22] That same day, senators rejected an amendment that would have sent the same-sex marriage question to voters in a referendum and passed the bill by a final vote of 21–14.

The day after Governor Baldacci signed the act, opponents of same-sex marriage launched a campaign to repeal it through a voter referendum.

On June 30, 2011, EqualityMaine and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) announced plans to place a voter initiative in support of same-sex marriage on Maine's November 2012 ballot.

[30][31] The title of the citizen initiative was An Act to Allow Marriage Licenses for Same-Sex Couples and Protect Religious Freedom, and the text of their proposed ballot question was:[32] Do you favor a law allowing marriage licenses for same-sex couples that protects religious freedom by ensuring no religion or clergy be required to perform such a marriage in violation of their religious beliefs?On July 27, 2012, Secretary of State Charlie Summers released the final wording of the ballot question.

Title 19-A, §650-A]The law took effect on December 29, 2012, 30 days after the election results were certified by Governor Paul LePage on November 29.

[44] State law grants the Penobscot Nation,[45] the Passamaquoddy Tribe,[46] and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians jurisdiction over the marriages and divorces of tribal members.

[b] A University of California, Los Angeles research study from February 2009 estimated that extending marriage to same-sex couples in Maine would have a positive impact on the state's economy and budget.

The study found that same-sex weddings and associated tourism would generate $60 million in additional spending in Maine over three years, creating 1,000 new jobs.