I Now Pronounce you Maine and Maine?

Maine finally wants all of America to know that it still exists as a state. Today, November 3, 2009 is the day that Maine voters decide what to do with the legislation "Proposition 1." Proposition 1 is a bill that allows same-sex marriage in Maine. The bill was approved by the state legislature and signed by the governor in May. The bill has yet to be put into effect. A dirty political battle has erupted in Maine with the prominent Roman Catholic Church on one side, and equal rights advocates on another side. More than 80,000 Maine voters have decided to support the interest Group Protect Maine Equality.

On a nationwide scale, not much has been done in support of same-sex marriage. Since 2004, more than 2 dozen states have passed referendums to prohibit same-sex marriage, including typically liberal California. There are however 5 states that have legalized gay marriage. These states include Iowa, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

If Maine voters decide to uphold the law, Maine will become the first state to endorse same-sex marriage by popular referendum. If that is the case it would put water on the Republican fire that claims there is no popular support for gay marriage.

Nowadays, homosexuals are the new blacks. Many homosexuals find themselves in similar situations blacks were subject to from pre-Reconstruction to at least the Civil Rights movement. Human beings should not be denied life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If it makes gays happy to be legally connected to someone for the rest of their lives, than why should they be denied that basic right given to everyone else also outlined in our Constitution.?

(photo credit: FilmNoirPhoto)