Gay Marriage Backers Say Fight Not Over in Maine

Groups plan to start fundraising campaign on Father's Day

(NEWSER) - Up to 200 churches in Maine plan to pass a collection plate on Father's Day to raise funds to fight gay marriage. The state is holding a referendum on legalizing same-sex marriage in November, and the Protect Marriage Maine political action committee is stepping up efforts to raise funds and get support from evangelical leaders around the country, reports AP . More»

Law repealed by 53% of voters with rural, Catholic backing

(NEWSER) - Maine voters yesterday shot down a state law allowing same-sex marriage after an emotionally charged campaign that drew hordes to the polls. The vote was another indication of a list to the right election night. “It has all come together and the institution of marriage has been preserved," said Frank Shubert, manager of the Stand for Marriage Maine campaign, as gays and supporters sobbed at poll-watching sites. Question 1 passed by 53%, largely due to support in rural Maine and among devout Catholic populations. More»

Two states vote on taxpayer bills of rights, to curb spending

(NEWSER) - Voters in six states will head to the polls next Tuesday to decide ballot initiatives on everything from medical marijuana to livestock care. The Atlantic lists some of the most interesting, and the most likely to reverberate across state lines.

• Question 1, Maine. Maine voters are being given the chance to veto legislation allowing same-sex marriages. If they choose not to, as polls suggest they will, Maine will become the first state to affirm gay marriage via direct democracy.

Supporters, opponents of repealing law seek to mobilize voters

(NEWSER) - As Maine gets ready to decide whether to repeal its law recognizing gay marriage next month, activists on both sides of the argument are ramping up their efforts. Activists and funds are pouring into the state from across the country in what many see as a repeat of California's battle over Proposition 8 last year, the Los Angeles Times reports. Supporters of gay marriage are ahead in fundraising but most polls predict a very tight vote. More»

State could become third to legalize same-sex unions

(NEWSER) - A Maine legislator introduced a bill yesterday that would legalize same-sex marriage, redefining marriage as a union between two people rather than a man and a woman, Reuters reports. The legislation is sure to face fierce opposition—a Republican lawmaker is already drafting a bill to write the one-man-one-woman definition into the state constitution. More»