New England states focus of efforts for, against gay nuptials (Portland Press Herald 3/28/09)

[fight4my3sons]

• In New Hampshire, which enacted a civil unions law last year, the state House of Representatives Thursday voted in favor of a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. The state Senate still must vote, though, and Democratic Gov. John Lynch – who signed a civil union bill last year – opposes it.

• The Vermont Senate has approved a similar measure, but the House has yet to vote. Republican Gov. Jim Douglas vowed Wednesday to veto the bill if it reaches him, spurring a protest that drew about 300 people to the Statehouse on Friday. Protesters say they'll push to get enough votes in the Legislature for a veto override.

• In Maine, a bill to legalize gay marriage has nearly 60 co-sponsors in the Legislature, but Democratic Gov. John Baldacci opposes it.

Massachusetts got same-sex marriage in 2004. Beth Robinson, who leads the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, says the close proximity of the New England states has allowed people to see for themselves that civil unions work and gay marriage should be allowed.

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=247398&ac=PHnws

[t0dd]

1. .

Maine Governor John Baldacci has not taken a stance on the issue according to sources I have read...

[fight4my3sons]

2. I had also read in the past that he had not taken a stance on the issue.

So was surprised to read that he was against it in this article. Not sure where the Portland Press Herald is getting this information from as I have not seen it anywhere else.

[imdjh]

12. Do these governor have presidential fantasies?

I'm wondering if these governors, appearing to have the excuse that the legislature voted for it, couldn't simply allow this to become law without having to pay a political price from their party and constituency. Then again, I am assuming that educated and sophisticated me don't actually oppose gay marriage, that it's just political posturing.

[fight4my3sons]

3. much more information from EqualityMaine here:

http://equalitymaine.org/marriage-and-families/maine-marriage-central

[Veruca Salt]

5. Governor Baldacci's statement seems to be waffling instead of a hard 'against' stance:

http://equalitymaine.org/news/governors-statement-marriage-equality-bill

“In the past, I have opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions,” Governor Baldacci said. “I have been a tireless defender of equal opportunity and have fought to end discrimination in employment, housing and throughout society. Unfortunately, there is no question that gay and lesbian people and their families still face discrimination.”

...

“I spoke with Sen. Damon yesterday about his legislation, and I told him I would listen to what he has to say, and I will listen as the people of Maine join in this conversation.”

“I’m not prepared to say I support gay marriage today, but I will consider what I hear as the Legislature works to find the best way to address discrimination.”

He damn well better let it pass if it goes through.

[fight4my3sons]

7. I agree.

I don't know what his problem is.

I'm not looking forward to Michael Heath's antics. The crap at the end of the Portland Press Herald piece is pure bullshit.

[Veruca Salt]

13. I don't know whether to laugh or cry...

I suppose you're talking about the following bit from the article:

"I think it's because the politicians up here have become more left-leaning. I have experienced a significant disconnect between the public in Maine and the politicians on the issue of gay rights," Heath said.

What cracks me up is the fact that WE vote in the politicians so if our politicians have a leftward bent it's because WE bend that way too. Geez. He probably just hangs out with people who think just like him and as such thinks that everyone in Maine believes as he does.

[moose65]

4. WTF

What is up with the Democrats who are afraid of this? Jesus Goddam Christ, Republicans are practically non-existent in New England. There will be NO political fallout. I love Vermont and NH, and I hope that BOTH states will soon join Mass. and CT. in the 21st century. What's your problem, Rhode Island????

[Veruca Salt]

6. Maine too!

I will be right there protesting the Gov if he tries anything stupid with this.

[t0dd]

9. Rhode Island is pretty amusing..

It is geographically wedged in between Connecticut and Massachusetts, where gay marriage is legal, but it seems the least likely to legalize same-sex marriage. The governor is a vehement critic of it and has promised a veto.

[gaspee]

11. Uh

RI recognizes marriages held in MA - we've even had a case of gay divorce in the court already.

We're just waiting for that smirking asshole of a governor to run out his clock.

RI is the only state with an out gay mayor of its capitol and very well could have the first *out* gay governor.

So we don't have a problem in RI -- well besides our dickhead of a governor.

[Fearless]

8. Rock on New Englanders!

We can do this. And faster than anyone imagined too.

:applause:

[moose65]

10. It's like dominoes

When one state approves marriage, others will follow, and quickly. Look at how fast NH passed civil unions. It's going to happen, slowly but surely. Drip, drip, drip.......

[Veruca Salt]

14. I give MA some huge kudos for starting trends;

even though VT had civil unions first MA went right for the throat and gave us marriage and now everyone else is following suit. And now, MA is looking to legalize cannabis... just you wait - New England is going to be one awesome hotspot for travel and living. Of course, we'll also have the fundies calling for us to be turned to salt or something wacky like that but they amuse me with their crazy talk (so long as it only remains talk). :)

[moose65]

15. Hmmmmm

I would have assumed that Massachusetts had already fallen into the Atlantic and been swept away with the fury of The Perfect Storm. Wasn't that what dumbass Camenker and his minions predicted? How's that working out for ya, MassResistance??