Most of us know Maine as the source of Poland Spring water and the vacation destination of well-to-do New Englanders. Once a spot-on bellwether of national trends, it is today regarded as one of the country’s most prominent liberal enclaves. So with Maine no longer a political game changer, what’s with all this fuss over Proposition 1?
Maine Gov. John Baldacci becomes the first governor to sign a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, May 6, 2009
The Pine Tree State made history last May when Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill authorizing same-sex marriage, becoming the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through legislative process rather than judicial ruling. Immediately, the outcome was hailed by LGBT rights advocates as a victory for equality. Baldacci agreed in his signing statement:
I did not come to this decision lightly or in haste. I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.
Proponents of traditional marriage, emboldened by their previous success in blue California, quickly mounted enough signatures to place the question on next week’s ballot as Proposition 1. Maine’s voters will have to decide whether to accept same-sex marriage by voting NO or reject it by voting YES.
Regardless of outcome, the ramifications of this decision could be seismic. If Maine rejects Prop 1 and stands with their elected representatives and Governor, the vote could mark a turning point for LGBT activists. After all, same-sex marriage has yet to win passage in any state by popular vote.
On the other hand, if Maine passes Prop 1 and overturns their legislature, they risk following California in two ways- firstly by denying equality and secondly by establishing the problematic precedent of popular votes overturning controversial but well-reasoned legislative decisions.
