Just minutes ago, Governor Baldacci signed the marriage bill! Same sex marriage is now legal in Maine, Iowa, Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Same sex marriages from other states are recognized in New York, but not performed in New York.
In a CNN.com interview, Gov. Baldacci said, “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.”
Marriage opponents said the new marriage equality law will effect religious institutions, but Senate Majority Leader Philip Bartlett II said the bill does not require religious institutions to recognize gay marriage. “We respect religious liberties. … This is long overdue,” said Bartlett, D-Gorham.
New Hampshire’s house is supposed to vote on equality today too.
Read more at NPR
