Maine’s Secretary of State, Charlie Summers, confirmed Thursday that same-sex marriage advocates have collected enough signatures to allow a ballot measure this November that, if passed, would extend the freedom to marry to gay and lesbian couples.
“Over the past few years, marriage supporters have been talking to their friends, families, coworkers and neighbors about why marriage matters,” said Marc Solomon, National Campaign Director of Freedom to Marry. “As we work to win at the ballot, Freedom to Marry will be there every step of the way alongside Equality Maine, GLAD, and others to continue telling the stories of why marriage matters to loving, committed gay and lesbian couples in Maine, and secure a win at the ballot this November.”
The signatures needed for the ballot measure were submitted for verification at the end of January.
Solomon expressed hope and foresight despite the hurdle that awaits the state, explaining, “For starters, we’ve never won at the ballot. Winning is far from a sure thing — it never has been on this cause, whether we were seeking to prevail in the legislature or at the ballot. And secondly, there are many competing demands for funding and attention this year. But [LGBT activists] feel confident that these challenges can be met and that we are ready to do so.”
If LGBT activists and allies are able to pass same-sex marriage laws in Maine, it will join nine other states in legalizing gay marriage, pending Maryland’s bill signage expected next week.
