Maine Gay Marriage Vote

In Maine, gay marriage was put to a vote. Voters will decide whether to repeal a law allowing same-sex marriage, passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. John Baldacci in May. The law never took effect because of a petition drive by conservatives.

Other states that have legalized gay marriage through legislation or court rulings and not by popular vote are Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut. On the other hand, constitutional amendments banning gay marriage have been approved in all 30 states where they have been on the ballot.

Early returns showed a close contest, as had been forecast. With 70 of 608 precincts reporting, the gay-marriage side had 53 percent to 47 percent for the other side. Gay-rights advocates say that losing in Maine would further a perception that only judges and politicians embrace same-sex marriage.

Supporters of pro- and anti- repeal had expressed their sentiments on the matter:

“It’s a defining moment,” said Marc Mutty, chairman of Stand for Marriage Maine, which is leading the repeal effort. “What happens here in Maine is going to have a mushrooming effect on the issue at large.”

Mr. Mutty’s group has repeatedly warned voters that if same-sex marriage survives in Maine, public schools will most likely teach children about it.

"If we don't win, then Maine will have its place in infamy because no state has ever voted for homosexual marriage," said Chuck Schott of Portland, who stood near a polling place in Maine's biggest city with a pro-repeal campaign sign.

Another Portland resident, Sarah Holman, 26, said she was "very torn" but decided, despite her conservative upbringing, to vote in favor of letting gays marry. "They love and they have the right to love. And we can't tell somebody how to love."

Actually, it's a personal choice whether you want to spend your life with someone your own sex. No one can stop you from doing so because it is your own life and you're the only one responsible for all choices you will be making. But when it comes to the issue of having same-sex marriage, I think it will be a different story. Morally speaking, the sacrament of marriage from the beginning is solely intended for the union of two different person of different sexes. I think without marriage, gays or lesbians can still enjoy the fullness of life with their chosen partners.