The Dream of Marriage Equality in Maine is Now Realized (Speaker Hannah Pingree)

Yesterday the Maine House of Representatives took an historic vote in favor of extending civil rights to committed gay and lesbian couples to ensure all of our citizens are treated equally under the law.

I have been a long-time supporter of marriage equality, but I have to say that I was truly impressed at the organization of the proponents of marriage equality as they undertook the task of moving this legislation this session.

Several organizations combined forces to build a strong grassroots coalition to personally lobby their legislators; culminating in turning out thousands of Maine citizens, both straight and gay, to attend a public hearing to share their views on marriage equality.  The attendance at that public hearing, which filled the Augusta Civic Center, was without precedent in our state’s history.  The stories shared there were full of passion, reason – even tears.

As the Maine House of Representatives took up debate I was struck by the emotion in the Chamber.  The personal stories shared by members of the House showed to me how the issues of fairness and equality transcend age, gender and background.

Today, Governor John Baldacci signed the legislation into law, making Maine the fifth state in America to legalize same-sex marriage.  Governor Baldacci’s action was the first time a Governor in America signed a marriage equality bill into law that was not the result of a court decision.

Today I could not be more proud to be a Mainer.