This post was submitted by matt

Today was another big day for gay rights proponents in the United States. Coming the day after the Council of the District of Columbia voted to recognize same-sex marraiges from other jurisdictions, the State of Maine officially legalized gay marriage with Governor Baldacci’s signature.

A few minutes ago, the New Hampshire House of Representatives approved a bill passed by the state Senate on April 29 to legalize gay marriage. This action sends the legislation to Governor John Lynch. He has not indicated what his decision will be, but has spoken out against gay marriage in the past. If he does not veto the bill, it will become law in five days without his signature.

Should the New Hampshire law pass, same-sex marriage will be legal in 6 states. Rhode Island would be the only state in New England where gay marriage is not legal. Additionally, since late last month, gays have been able to marry in Iowa.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today said that Congress has no business interfering in the District of Columbia’s marriage recognition bill, which will become law 30 days after Mayor Adrian Fenty signs it – unless Congress overturns it.

This has indeed been a big day for us, however, Maine’s marriage status is not as stable as Iowa’s. Like Iowa, voters in Maine cannot initiate an amendment to the state’s Constitution, however they do have the power to use the “People’s Veto.” In this case, organizers would have to gather approximately 55,000 signatures within 90 days of the legislature’s adjournment. If they are able to do so, gay marriage in Maine would be suspended until a referendum could be held. This is unlikely before November of this year or June 2010 at the earliest.

On other fronts, New York’s legislature is currently considering a law which would legalize same-sex marriage in the Empire State.

---

First time here? See what we're all about... Get involved... Send us a tip!...

---