Maine becomes fifth state to allow gay marriage

AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. John Baldacci signed legislation May 6 that makes Maine the fifth U.S. state to allow same-sex “marriages” and only the second to approve the unions without the threat of a court order.

Maine now joins Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa in allowing same-sex “marriage.” Lawmakers in neighboring New Hampshire have also taken steps toward approving same-sex “marriage.”

In April, Lynch released a statement saying he believed marriage was “reserved” for one man and one woman, but now says he would sign a bill legalizing “gay marriage” if changes to it are made to protect religious convictions.

Lynch said he would veto the bill, H.B. 436, in its current form, although it has yet officially to make it to his desk. It appears legislators simply will hold off on sending it there until it is tweaked to incorporate Lynch’s proposals.

The bill has already has passed in both the state House and Senate.

If New Hampshire does change its laws, Rhode Island would be the lone state in New England not to redefine marriage. (TAB)