May 5, 2009 Maine House passes gay marriage bill

(NECN: Augusta, Maine) - The Maine House of Representatives today passed L.D. 1020, a bill which would legalize same-sex marriage in the state, by a vote of 89-57.

“I’m very proud of the strong vote we saw today in favor of fairness and equality,” said Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree in a statement from her office. “Some have said that this is not the right time for this, given all that we face. I would say that there is never a “right” time to ensure fairness and equality. Equal protection under the law is a right to which all Maine people and families are entitled, and they should not be asked to wait.”

The bill now returns to the Maine Senate, which gave it initial approval last week, and will then be sent to Governor John Baldacci. Baldacci has yet to definitively say whether he will sign it.