Stakes high in Maine's gay marriage vote

Stakes high in Maine's gay marriage vote
David Sharp and David Crary Associated Press
November 04, 2009 17:13 PM

Portland, Maine -- Bolstered by out-of-state money and volunteers, both sides jockeyed Monday to boost turnout for Maine's referendum on same-sex marriage -- a contest that could give gay-rights activists in the U.S. their first such victory at the ballot box.

The state's voters will decide today whether to repeal a gay-marriage bill signed into law in May by Democratic Gov. John Baldacci.

The contest is considered too close to call, and both campaigns worked vigorously to be sure their supporters cast votes in the off-year election.

If voters uphold the law, it will be the first time the electorate in any state has endorsed marital rights for same-sex couples, energizing activists nationwide and deflating the conservative argument that gay marriage lacks popular support.

Conversely, a repeal -- in New England, the corner of the country most receptive to same-sex marriage -- would be a jolting setback for the gay-rights movement and mark the first time voters overturned a gay-marriage law enacted by a legislature. When Californians voters rejected gay marriage a year ago, it was in response to a court ruling, not legislation.

"The eyes of the nation will be on Maine," said Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "The stakes are high, but so is our hope that Maine will remain among the growing number of states that extend the essential security and legal protections of marriage to all loving, committed couples."

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(Image: Pat Wellenbach / Associated Press)
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