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Maine to allow same-sex marriage Maine to allow same-sex marriage
(about 4 hours later)
Gay marriage is to be permitted in the US state of Maine after a bill was passed by both houses of the state's legislature and signed by the governor.Gay marriage is to be permitted in the US state of Maine after a bill was passed by both houses of the state's legislature and signed by the governor.
Maine will be the fifth US state to allow gay marriage, after Connecticut, Masschusettes, Iowa and Vermont. Maine will be the fifth US state to allow gay marriage, after Connecticut, Massachusetts, Iowa and Vermont.
A number of other states, including New Hampshire and New York, are also due to consider proposals to legalise it.A number of other states, including New Hampshire and New York, are also due to consider proposals to legalise it.
Earlier this week, Washington DC's city council passed a law to recognise gay marriages performed in other states.Earlier this week, Washington DC's city council passed a law to recognise gay marriages performed in other states.
'Careful decision''Careful decision'
The issue is a controversial topic in the US, and many states have passed bills and constitutional amendments banning gay marriage.The issue is a controversial topic in the US, and many states have passed bills and constitutional amendments banning gay marriage.
GAY MARRIAGE IN THE US States that allow gay marriage:Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, MaineStates where legislation to permit gay marriage is being considered:New Hampshire, New York, New JerseyStates that allow civil unions/domestic partnerships:Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, California*, Hawaii, Oregon, WashingtonStates that recognise out-of-state gay marriages:New Mexico, New York, Rhode IslandStates where neither gay marriage nor any alternatives are permitted:Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming*Gay marriages conducted in California between 17 June and 4 November remain valid, according to the state's attorney general
But in the north-eastern US, momentum has begun to favour supporters of gay marriage.But in the north-eastern US, momentum has begun to favour supporters of gay marriage.
I did not come to this decision lightly or in haste John BaldacciMaine governor
Maine's lower house approved the gay marriage bill by 89 votes to 57, and the state senate voted 21-13 in favour.Maine's lower house approved the gay marriage bill by 89 votes to 57, and the state senate voted 21-13 in favour.
Maine's governor, Democrat John Baldacci, had previously been opposed to gay marriage, but changed his mind when faced with the bill.Maine's governor, Democrat John Baldacci, had previously been opposed to gay marriage, but changed his mind when faced with the bill.
"I have read many of the notes and letters sent to my office, and I have weighed my decision carefully," he said in a statement. "I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage," he said in a statement.
"I did not come to this decision lightly or in haste."
New Hampshire's governor is set to face a similar decision shortly.New Hampshire's governor is set to face a similar decision shortly.
Both houses of the state's legislature have approved a bill granting gay couples the right to marry.Both houses of the state's legislature have approved a bill granting gay couples the right to marry.
In California, a similar bill was passed in 2005, but was blocked by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.In California, a similar bill was passed in 2005, but was blocked by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Last year, California voters backed a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in a referendum, although the constitutionality of the vote is still being fought over in court.Last year, California voters backed a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in a referendum, although the constitutionality of the vote is still being fought over in court.