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MsTinkerbelly · 11-07-2012, 08:55 AM

Marriage equality passes in Maine; Politico calls MD marriage equality initiative, says it will pass
By Scottie Thomaston

Updated at midnight

Maine has voted to allow marriage equality in the state. Freedom to Marry writes:

Portland – Maine today became the first state to approve the freedom to marry for same-sex couples through a majority vote on a ballot measure. Maine is expected to begin issuing marriage licenses in mid-December.

“Today, a majority in Maine voted in favor of loving and committed same-sex couples seeking the freedom to marry,” said Freedom to Marry National Campaign Director Marc Solomon. “Now the commitment gay and lesbian couples have made in life will be respected equally under the law, celebrated before their loved ones, and called what it is: marriage.”

“It’s hard to overstate the national significance of this vote,” Solomon continued. “For years, our opponents have argued that we could not win a majority vote at the ballot. Today, Maine voters proved them wrong, standing up for the Golden Rule and for freedom for all Mainers.”

The centerpiece of the three-year campaign was a robust field effort. Volunteers and organizers made more than a million telephone calls, knocked on nearly 300,000 doors, and had 275,000 one-on-one conversations with voters.

“We congratulate Mainers United for Marriage Campaign Director Matt McTighe for the extraordinary effort he has run, as well as all the coalition partners, and particularly Equality Maine and Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, for their steadfast commitment to this fight,” said Solomon.

For the first time in history the voters have passed marriage equality.

Politico has called the marriage equality initiative in Maryland, projecting that it will pass.

Politico says:

Yes 58.0% 1,138,135
No 42.0% 823,931

We will have more.

Update 12:15ET
The AP has called Washington, Maryland, and Maine.

Anthony De Rosa
✔@AntDeRosa RT @kxly4news: (AP) Washington voters are narrowly approving gay marriage in the state, following the lead of voters in Maryland and Maine
6 Nov 12 ReplyRetweetFavoriteUpdate 12:20

Apparently the politico results for MD are incorrect – they switched the results of two initiatives. However, the end result is the same: Maryland is won. The marriage equality campaign issued a statement:

Free State approves marriage licenses for gay and lesbian couples at ballot box

BALTIMORE – Voters approved Question 6, the Civil Marriage Protection Act, paving the way for gay and lesbian couples to receive a marriage license beginning in January. Tonight is the first time in history any state has voted on and passed marriage equality on the ballot.

“Fairness and equality under the law won tonight,” said Josh Levin, campaign manager for Marylanders for Marriage Equality. “We’re sure to feel the ripples of this monumental victory across the country for years to come.”

Question 6 protects religious freedom of churches and clergy. No church or clergy member will have to perform any marriage they don’t want to.

Legislatures and courts have legalized marriage equality in six states and the District of Columbia. Maryland is the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through a vote of the people.

“This victory would not have been possible without the unparalleled leadership of Governor O’Malley, resolve of the LGBT Caucus in the legislature, and the full-court press by the Human Rights Campaign, which has been here day in and day out for more than a year working for full equality.”

11-07-2012, 08:55 AM	#1071
MsTinkerbelly Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: ... Preferred Pronoun?: ... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ... Posts: 6,573 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 30,737 Thanked 22,909 Times in 5,019 Posts Rep Power: 0	Prop 8 trial tracker Marriage equality passes in Maine; Politico calls MD marriage equality initiative, says it will pass By Scottie Thomaston Updated at midnight Maine has voted to allow marriage equality in the state. Freedom to Marry writes: Portland – Maine today became the first state to approve the freedom to marry for same-sex couples through a majority vote on a ballot measure. Maine is expected to begin issuing marriage licenses in mid-December. “Today, a majority in Maine voted in favor of loving and committed same-sex couples seeking the freedom to marry,” said Freedom to Marry National Campaign Director Marc Solomon. “Now the commitment gay and lesbian couples have made in life will be respected equally under the law, celebrated before their loved ones, and called what it is: marriage.” “It’s hard to overstate the national significance of this vote,” Solomon continued. “For years, our opponents have argued that we could not win a majority vote at the ballot. Today, Maine voters proved them wrong, standing up for the Golden Rule and for freedom for all Mainers.” The centerpiece of the three-year campaign was a robust field effort. Volunteers and organizers made more than a million telephone calls, knocked on nearly 300,000 doors, and had 275,000 one-on-one conversations with voters. “We congratulate Mainers United for Marriage Campaign Director Matt McTighe for the extraordinary effort he has run, as well as all the coalition partners, and particularly Equality Maine and Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, for their steadfast commitment to this fight,” said Solomon. For the first time in history the voters have passed marriage equality. Politico has called the marriage equality initiative in Maryland, projecting that it will pass. Politico says: Yes 58.0% 1,138,135 No 42.0% 823,931 We will have more. Update 12:15ET The AP has called Washington, Maryland, and Maine. Anthony De Rosa ✔@AntDeRosa RT @kxly4news: (AP) Washington voters are narrowly approving gay marriage in the state, following the lead of voters in Maryland and Maine 6 Nov 12 ReplyRetweetFavoriteUpdate 12:20 Apparently the politico results for MD are incorrect – they switched the results of two initiatives. However, the end result is the same: Maryland is won. The marriage equality campaign issued a statement: Free State approves marriage licenses for gay and lesbian couples at ballot box BALTIMORE – Voters approved Question 6, the Civil Marriage Protection Act, paving the way for gay and lesbian couples to receive a marriage license beginning in January. Tonight is the first time in history any state has voted on and passed marriage equality on the ballot. “Fairness and equality under the law won tonight,” said Josh Levin, campaign manager for Marylanders for Marriage Equality. “We’re sure to feel the ripples of this monumental victory across the country for years to come.” Question 6 protects religious freedom of churches and clergy. No church or clergy member will have to perform any marriage they don’t want to. Legislatures and courts have legalized marriage equality in six states and the District of Columbia. Maryland is the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through a vote of the people. “This victory would not have been possible without the unparalleled leadership of Governor O’Malley, resolve of the LGBT Caucus in the legislature, and the full-court press by the Human Rights Campaign, which has been here day in and day out for more than a year working for full equality.”