Marriage bill hearing draws more than 3,000 (Maine)

[Maine-ah]

AUGUSTA (April 22): The contentious social issue of gay marriage drew more than 3,000 people to the Augusta Civic Center Wednesday to debate a bill before the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee that would legalize same-sex marriage.

People on both sides of the highly partisan crowd behaved respectfully overall, applauding their own speakers and keeping quiet during testimony for the other side. The all-day public hearing also considered a bill that would grant couples in domestic partnerships the same rights and responsibilities that married spouses have.

Under the Maine Domestic Partnership Act that went into effect July 30, 2004, unmarried Maine couples, whether heterosexual or homosexual, who have lived together for at least a year, may register as domestic partners and have rights of inheritance and probate, but not all the rights of marriage. Same-sex couples who have been married in other states may also register their marriage as a domestic partnership in Maine.

LD 1118, "An Act to Expand Rights for Maine Families," introduced by Rep. Leslie Fossel, R-Alna, would expand the rights and responsibilities of domestic partners to make them identical with those of spouses. This legislation was introduced by Sen. Lawrence Bliss, D-South Portland, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, because Fossel was not there. The testimony largely ignored this measure, with speakers focusing instead on the marriage bill.

Sen. Dennis Damon, D-Hancock, sponsored the same-sex marriage bill, LD 1020, “An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom.” Damon garnered 63 cosponsors for his bill, all but one of them Democrats.

more:

http://knox.villagesoup.com/Government/story.cfm?storyID=155682

[Maine-ah]

1. hm, maybe the morning crowd would like to read this.

kick.

[blueclown]

2. I wonder if the Maine gov would sign this bill if it passes.

I don't see any reason for him not to. This bill looks like it has tremendous Democrat support. All we need is 50% support in the Senate and 50% support in the House.

[Maine-ah]

3. here's his statement from Apr. 9

Asked if he would support a referendum on gay marriage, Baldacci said it was too early in the discussion to say.

"I had been opposed to (gay marriage) earlier and, as we all evolve and grow, we learn and listen," he said. "But I think at this particular point, I'll sort of take a wait-and-see attitude and watch and see how the debate takes place.

"And like the rest of the Mainers, learn in the process and ask questions, and then be able to make sure that we're making the right statement for the state and for the future."

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=249904&ac=PHnws

I'm not impressed with that. Anybody want to help Mr. Baldacci make up his mind? I'm sending a letter off right now.

Contact:

http://www.maine.gov/governor/baldacci/contact/citizen_services/share_views.html

[mainegreen]

4. I heard some of the speaches on the radio this morning. Pretty moving stuff.

[Maine-ah]

5. Hi MG!

I haven't caught any of the speeches yet, just what I have been reading. It looks to me that there is plenty of support for equal marriage rights. I hope it passes. :hi:

[tabbycat31]

6. K&R hoping for state #5