NOM Loses Fight To Keep Anti-Gay Marriage Donors Secret

2011-08-12T12:30:36Z

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) on Thursday lost another round in its fight to conceal its donor list

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) on Thursday lost another round in its fight to conceal its donor list.

NOM is the nation's most vociferous opponent of gay marriage. The group has had successes repealing gay marriage laws in

Maine Supports Gay Marriage, Poll Finds

2011-03-15T09:30:10Z

Maine voters, by a slim margin, support gay marriage, a new poll found

Maine voters, by a slim margin, support gay marriage, a new poll found.

The survey, released Monday by Public Policy Polling, found 47 percent of voters in Maine believe gay marriage should be l...

Anti-Gay Marriage Group NOM Loses Another Legal Round In Maine

2011-02-21T05:00:09Z

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) has lost another legal round in Maine

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) has lost another legal round in Maine.

The group, which has led efforts to repeal gay marriage laws in California and Maine, challenged ...

Maine Marriage Equality

2010-11-30T13:53:27Z

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Fifty-Nine Percent Of Rhode Islanders Support Gay Marriage

2010-10-27T13:56:09Z

A new poll finds a large majority (59%) of Rhode Islanders support gay marriage

A new poll finds a large majority (59%) of Rhode Islanders support gay marriage.

The poll of 500 registered voters was commissioned by the Boston-based group Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD).

When asked, “Do you favor or oppose allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry legally?&#822...

Maine Advocates Vow To Win Back Gay Marriage

2010-06-11T20:22:05Z

As they honored state Senator Dennis Damon Saturday night, gay rights advocates in Maine vowed to win back gay marriage

As they honored state Senator Dennis Damon Saturday night, gay rights advocates in Maine vowed to win back gay marriage, local ABC affiliate News 8 reported.

At its annual dinner in The Catholic Diocese of Phoenix is facing a budget shortfall just months after donating to the campaign that reversed a gay marriage law in Maine

The Catholic Diocese of Phoenix is facing a budget shortfall just months after donating to the campaign that reversed a gay marriage law in Maine, the '

Domestic Partnerships & Adoption

2010-10-25T08:07:37Z

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Poll Finds Americans Divided On Gay Marriage

2010-04-16T08:17:32Z

A new poll released Friday finds Americans nearly evenly split on gay marriage

A new poll released Friday finds Americans nearly evenly split on gay marriage.

The new Angus Reid poll shows opponents of gay marriage narrowly edge out supporters. Forty-three percent of the 1,001 adults contacted online favor gay marriage, while 46 percent remain opposed. The poll's...

Maine reporter fights firing for gay marriage note

2010-04-16T08:32:06Z

Maine reporter says he was wrongly fired over e-mail calling gay marriage supporters hateful

A longtime Maine newspaper reporter says he was unjustly fired after writing a personal e-mail to gay marriage supporters rebuking their tactics.

The Portland Newspaper Guild has filed a grievance on behalf of 58-year-old Larry Grard (GRAHRD'), who says he was fi...

Some gays seek renewed focus on civil unions

2010-04-16T08:49:53Z

Marriage setbacks have some gay activists seeking renewed focus on civil unions

Leland Traiman, who runs a sperm bank in California, worries about his lesbian clients in more conservative parts of the country when he hears fellow gay rights activists talk about winning the right to wed.

With 34 states lacking any legal recognition of same-sex relationships, Traiman wonders if all the emphasis on matrimony i...

Gay marriage momentum stalls in liberal NY, NJ

2010-06-25T19:37:29Z

In liberal NY and NJ, push for gay marriage legislation loses some momentum after elections

The state-to-state march to legalize gay marriage across the left-leaning Northeast has lost more momentum since a major setback three weeks ago at the ballot box in Maine.

Since then, legislatures in New York and New Jersey have failed to schedule long-expected votes o...

NY assembly shelves gay marriage vote

2010-06-25T19:51:08Z

New York's state assembly on Tuesday put off a tentatively planned vote on a bill that would allow same-sex marriage, but could revisit the controversial issue next week.

"A vote did not take place. They are negotiating," a spokeswoman for the assembly's upper house, the State Senate, told AFP.

Governor David Paterson had asked Monday for the upper house to vote Tuesday on a bill allowing gay nuptials. He said after ...

NY assembly postpones gay marriage vote

2010-06-25T19:50:56Z

New York's state assembly on Tuesday put off a tentatively planned vote on a bill that would allow same-sex marriage, but could revisit the controversial issue next week.

"A vote did not take place. They are negotiating," a spokeswoman for the assembly's upper house, the State Senate, told AFP.

Governor David Paterson had asked Monday for the upper house to vote Tuesday on a bill allowing gay nuptials. He said after ...

Gay marriage activists seek momentum in New York

2010-06-12T12:06:12Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Gay rights activists are looking to a possible vote to legalize same-sex marriage in New York State on Tuesday as a way to drive a national campaign that opponents say has lost momentum.

Five U.S. states have already legalized gay marriage -- Iowa,

Making Sense Of Maine's Gay Marriage Repeal

2010-04-16T09:19:47Z

Bloggers attempt to make some sense of Maine's gay marriage repeal

Why Maine voters repealed a gay marriage law Tuesday when polling favored backers continues to baffle analysts. Several theories have been offered.

Gay marriage proponents have been hit hard by the defeat, which came on the first anniversary of another trouncing: California's voter-approved ga...

Paterson Inspired By Maine Loss As Gay Marriage Debate Begins

2010-04-16T09:18:35Z

New York Governor David Paterson is shaking off concerns that a recent gay marriage loss in Maine might slow down the movement

New York Governor David Paterson is shaking off concerns that a recent gay marriage loss in Maine might slow down the movement.

“I think there's this feeling that if legislation fails that it's this colossal loss for the cause,...

Gay marriage foes win with message about schools

2010-04-16T09:21:37Z

Gay marriage foes win in Maine and California with message about schools

Gay marriage opponents pulled off another victory at the ballot box this week by using a tried-and-tested argument: Approve it and children will be taught homosexuality in school.

Voters seemed to be swayed by the message, both in Maine and in last year's gay marriage battle in California. And it has become an important part of the eve...

Maine voters latest to turn down gay marriage

2010-04-16T09:25:12Z

PORTLAND, Maine (Reuters) - Voters in Maine on Tuesday overturned a law allowing same-sex couples to wed, dealing a fresh setback to the U.S. gay marriage movement in a race that attracted national attention.

The law was approved by Maine's Legislature in ...

Mainers Reject Gay Marriage Law

2010-04-16T09:24:46Z

Despite polls showing a closer race, Maine easily shunned a gay marriage law on Tuesday

Despite polls showing a closer race, Maine easily shunned a gay marriage law on Tuesday.

With 87 percent of precincts reporting, 53 percent of voters said no to a gay marriage law approved by lawmakers in the spring.

A No on 1 campaign party that featured pro-gay marriage Maine leaders and prominent gay activists was ...

Voting on Rights is Wrong: The Real Problem With Maine

2010-10-26T23:21:42Z

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Gay leaders blame TV ads, Obama for loss in Maine

2010-04-16T09:24:07Z

Gay leaders blame TV ads, Obama for same-sex marriage loss in Maine; conservatives rejoice

Stunned and angry, national gay rights leaders Wednesday blamed scare-mongering ads — and President Barack Obama's lack of engagement — for a bitter election setback in Maine that could alter the dynamics for both sides in the gay-marriage debate.

Conservatives, in contras...

barack obama doesn't care about gay people

2010-10-22T15:28:12Z

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Gay Marriage

2010-10-22T15:27:38Z

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Dejection fills ballroom after gay marriage vote

2010-04-16T09:25:48Z

Disappointment, not joy, fills Maine ballroom where gay marriage party was planned

Cecelia Burnett and Ann Swanson had already set their wedding date. When they joined about 1,000 other gay marriage supporters for an election night party in a Holiday Inn ballroom, they hoped to...

Mixed results for 2009 election

2010-10-22T13:18:18Z

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Gay Marriage Question Boosts Turnout In Maine

2010-04-16T09:25:41Z

A question on gay marriage is being given credit for a higher than projected turnout in Maine

A question on gay marriage is being given credit for a higher than projected turnout in Maine, the AP reported.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap originally projected that slightly over a third (35%) of the state's registered voters would turn out to vote on T...

Election Results 2009

2010-10-22T13:18:05Z

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Stakes are high in Maine's vote on gay marriage

2010-04-16T09:27:21Z

Bolstered by out-of-state money and volunteers, both sides jockeyed Monday to boost turnout for a Maine referendum that could give gay-rights activists in the U.S. their first victory at the ballot box on the deeply divisive issue of same-sex marriage.

The state's voters will decide Tuesday whether to repeal a law that would allow gay marriage. The law was passed by the Legislature a...

Maine voters reject gay-marriage law

2010-04-16T09:25:15Z

Maine voters repealed a state law Tuesday that would have allowed same-sex couples to wed, dealing the gay rights movement a heartbreaking defeat in New England, the corner of the country most supportive of gay marriage.

Gay marriage has now lost in every single state — 31 in all — in which it has been put to a popular vote. Gay-rights activists had hoped to buck that trend in ...

Gay marriage appears in danger of losing in Maine

2010-04-16T09:25:48Z

Gay marriage appeared in danger in Maine in a closely watched referendum Tuesday that the nation's gay rights movement had hoped would yield a breakthrough victory at the ballot box.

Voters were asked to decide whether to repeal or affirm a state law that would allow gay couples to wed. The law was passed by the Legislature in May but never took effect because of a petition drive by conservatives.

With 481 of 608 precincts reporting, ...

Voters In Three States Have Gay Rights On Their Minds

2010-04-16T09:28:43Z

Voters in three states on Tuesday will have the final say on gay rights issues

Voters in three states on Tuesday will have the final say on gay rights issues.

In Kalamazoo, Michigan the backlash to a gay protections ordinance was so strong lawmakers were forced to rescind the law and ultimately put it up for a vote. Voters in Maine voters to pass judgment on gay marriage; contest is being closely watched around the US

Gay marriage has lost in every single state in which it has been put to a popular vote. Come Election Day, gay-rights supporters are hoping to make Maine the exception.

In a referendum that is being closely watched around the country and has drawn millions in out-of-state dollars, Maine voters will decide Tuesday whether to ...

Maine Governor Baldacci Backs Gay Marriage

2010-04-16T09:33:07Z

Despite his last-minute endorsement of Maine's gay marriage law when he signed it, Governor John Baldacci does not want it repealed

Despite his last-minute endorsement of Maine's gay marriage law when he signed it, Governor John Baldacci does not want it repealed, the 'Bangor Daily News' reported...

Gay-marriage supporters, opponents square off

2010-04-16T09:34:14Z

Gay-marriage supporters, opponents in Maine square off in TV debate

A supporter and an opponent of same-sex marriage made their respective cases on live television Wednesday, less than a week before a statewide referendum on whether to allow gay marriage in Maine.

The referendum is about equality under the law, Mary Bonauto of

Maine gov urges residents to vote for gay marriage

2010-06-25T20:07:48Z

Maine Gov. Baldacci urges residents to vote against repealing state's same-sex marriage law

Maine Gov. John Baldacci on Tuesday urged residents to vote against repealing the state's same-sex marriage law while acknowledging his past opposition to gay marriage.

With one week remaining before a vote, Baldacci said he once preferred civil unions to gay marriages.

"I came to believe that this is a q...

Maine Pro-Gay Marriage Campaign Continues To Outraise Opponents

2010-04-16T09:39:51Z

Maine pro-gay marriage campaign continues to outraise opponents, but contest remains tight

The pro-gay marriage campaign in Maine announced Friday it had raised nearly twice as much money as opponents of gay marriage, but the contest remains tight.

Campaign finance reports filed with the state reveal No on1/Protect Maine Equality collec...

Maine gay marriage supporters lead in funding

2010-04-16T09:40:32Z

Maine gay marriage supporters lead opponents in campaign donations

Supporters of Maine's same-sex marriage law continued Friday to collect far more campaign contributions than their opponents in a referendum that's being watched nationally.

NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality said in its campaign finance report to the state that it has raised $4 m...

Robertson: Gay Marriage Advocates Want To 'Destroy' Marriage

2010-04-16T09:42:45Z

As Maine prepares to vote on a gay marriage law, Pat Robertson said gay marriage advocates want to ?destroy? marriage

As Maine prepares to vote on a gay marriage law, Pat Robertson said gay marriage advocates want to “destroy” marriage.

Maine, the first state to approve gay marriage legislatively, is also the first state to put the question up for a vote...

New Poll Shows Maine Gay Marriage Repeal Pulling Ahead

2010-04-16T09:42:01Z

The effort to repeal gay marriage in Maine is pulling ahead, a new poll finds, but still trails overall, an analysis reveals

The effort to repeal gay marriage in Maine is pulling ahead, a new poll finds, but continues to trail overall, an analysis reveals.

The Public Policy Polling survey shows Question 1, the November 3 ballot que...

Maine Catholics Give $86,000 To Fight Gay Marriage

2010-04-16T09:51:21Z

Catholics in Maine gave about $86,000 in September to fight a gay marriage law

Catholics in Maine gave about $86,000 in September to fight a gay marriage law.

According to a statement released by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, a one-time collection taken in church masses raised $41,000 towards the campai...

Poll: Maine Gay Marriage Repeal Failing

2010-04-16T09:50:29Z

The effort to repeal gay marriage in Maine is failing, a new poll finds

The effort to repeal gay marriage in Maine is failing, a new poll says.

The Pan Atlantic SMS Group's Omnibus Poll shows Question 1, the November 3 ballot question that would repeal gay marriage in the Pine State, failing. The survey found that the measure is trailing 52- to 43%.

...

Maine gay marriage campaigns report donations

2010-04-16T09:51:14Z

Supporters of Maine gay marriage law collect $2.7M; opponents raise $1.1M as vote draws near

Supporters of Maine's gay marriage law said Tuesday they've collected $2.7 million for their campaign against a ballot proposal to repeal it, more than double the amount the measure's supporters said they raised.

The group, called NO on 1/Protect Maine Eq...

New survey shows rising support for civil unions

2010-04-16T09:54:32Z

National survey: More support for civil unions, but majority still opposes gay marriage

An increasing majority of Americans favors allowing same-sex couples to obtain most of the same rights as married straight couples, but only 39 percent support legalization of same-sex marriage, according to a poll released Friday.

The Pew Research Center said support for civil unions has risen to 57 pe...

Maine Officials To Investigate Anti-Gay Marriage Group

2010-04-16T10:02:13Z

Maine commission moves to investigate whether an anti-gay marriage group has violated campaign finance laws

The Maine Ethics Commission has voted in favor of opening an investigation into whether an anti-gay marriage group has violated campaign finance laws.

Commissioners voted Thursday 3-2 in favor of looking into allegations of disclosure fraud by Californians Against Hate ...

Maine marriage campaign probe gets OK

2010-04-16T10:02:28Z

Maine ethics commission approves probe of anti-gay marriage fundraising

Maine's campaign oversight board overruled a staff recommendation Thursday and authorized an investigation into fundraising by groups supporting the campaign to repeal the state's gay marriage law in a Nov. 3 referendum.

The Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices voted 3-2 after some mem...

Claim That Gay Marriage Will Harm Children Called 'Not True'

2010-04-16T10:06:47Z

Supporters of gay marriage in Maine have responded to allegations by opponents that gay marriage will harm children

In a newly released ad, supporters of gay marriage in Maine have responded to allegations by opponents that gay marriage will harm children, calling the claims “not true.”

Opponents of gay marriage in the Pine State have mounted a “people's veto”...

Same-Sex Marriage: Developments in the Law

2010-11-03T09:20:50Z

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NOM's Gallagher Confident Of Maine Win, Loves The Gay Press

2010-04-16T10:11:05Z

NOM's Maggie Gallagher says she's confident a gay marriage law will be defeated in Maine and loves the gay press

Maggie Gallagher, the president of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), said over the weekend she was confident a gay marriage law up f...

Help Save Gay Marriage in Maine

2010-10-22T07:37:36Z

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Fate of Maine gay marriage law in hands of voters

2010-04-16T10:31:50Z

Maine gay marriage law heads to November ballot after 100K voters sign petition for referendum

The governor of Maine has signed a formal proclamation putting the state's gay marriage law up for a vote in November.

Gov. John Baldacci signed the measure Wednesday after election officials verified that gay marriage foes had reached the threshold of petitions nece...

Gay Group Widens Probe Of Illegal Fundraising Reporting

2010-04-16T10:37:40Z

Fred Karger has contacted Maine campaign ethics officials and asked for an investigation into the fundraising practices of gay foes

A California-based gay rights group has asked Maine officials to investigate the financial background of the coalition of groups behind an effort to repeal gay marriage in the state.

Californians Against Hate founder

Gay Marriage Campaign Ads Begin In Maine

2010-04-16T10:43:30Z

The first television ads in support of gay marriage in Maine began airing Thursday

The first television ads in support of gay marriage in Maine began airing Thursday.

The sixty-second ad called “Together” is being paid for by EqualityMaine Foundation, Gay &amp; Lesbian Advocates &amp; Defenders (GLAD), and the

Gay Marriage Blamed For Dark Skies Over Maine

2010-04-16T10:52:17Z

Gay marriage foe calls dark skies over Maine as God's judgment against gay marriage

Maine's unusually gloomy summer is a symptom of gay marriage, one foe says.

In an editorial published Friday in 'The Times Record', Michael S. Heath, head of the Christian Civic League of Maine, a group backing a “people's veto” to repeal gay marriage in the state, links...

Maine Gay Marriage Foes Turn In Signatures

2010-06-25T21:14:56Z

Foes of gay marriage in Maine turned in petition signatures to force a referendum on Friday

Opponents of gay marriage in Maine turned in petition signatures to force a “people's veto” on the recently enacted law Friday morning.

Representatives from the Stand for Marriage Maine coalition arrived to turn in their petition at the state Capitol in Maine gay marriage opponents submit petitions to force referendum on state's law-in-waiting

Gay marriage opponents hoping to derail Maine's new law before it can take effect submitted petitions Friday that they said contain more than enough signatures to force a people's veto referendum.

Leaders of the Stand for Marriage campaign delivered a stack of cartons holding petitions with more than 100,000 signatures to the ...

Foes Put Gay Marriage On Hold In Maine

2010-04-16T11:24:47Z

Gay marriage foes in Maine announced Wednesday that they have managed to put gay marriage in the state on hold

Gay marriage foes in Maine announced Wednesday that they have managed to put gay marriage in the state on hold.

Officials behind the Stand for Marriage Maine coalition say they have gathered sufficient signatures to put up ...

Mass. files lawsuit against federal marriage law

2010-04-16T11:28:00Z

Federal marriage law sees 1st challenge from Mass. lawsuit calling it 'discriminatory'

Massachusetts has challenged the federal law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, calling it "discriminatory and overreaching," and supporters say other states could follow suit.

The state, the first to legalize gay marriage, sued the U.S. government Wednesday over the Maine gay marriage foes get enough signatures to block law, put it to statewide vote

Gay marriage foes in Maine say they've collected enough signatures to stop a new law from going into effect and to force a statewide vote.

Mark Mutty from the Stand for Marriage Maine coalition said Wednesday it took four weeks to gather the more than 55,...

New Hampshire assembly approves gay marriage

2010-04-16T11:58:10Z

New Hampshire's legislature on Wednesday passed a bill that would make the northeastern state the sixth in the country to allow same-sex marriage.

The lower house passed the bill by a simple majority. The upper house has already passed the same draft law.

Governor John Lynch, a Democrat, must now sign or veto the bill. He has previously indic...

Religion news in brief

2010-10-22T09:29:13Z

Appeals court sides with union in religious rights case

A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of the United Auto Workers in a dispute over dues and the religious objections of a Roman Catholic at an Indiana factory.

In a 2-1 decision, the court rejected Jeffrey Reed's ...

NY legislature approves gay marriage

2010-06-25T22:25:03Z

New York's legislature approved a law allowing gay weddings in the state, which now faces a much tougher reading in the upper house.

The lower house in the New York legislature approved the law submitted last month by Governor David Paterson, by a vote of 89-52.

If it passes the senate, the law would make New York the sixth and highest profile state allowing same-sex c...

Gay marriage passes first vote in New York state

2010-06-25T22:25:14Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York State Assembly passed a bill to legalize gay marriage on Tuesday, but the measure still faces an uphill battle in the state Senate.

The measure, introduced last month by Governor David Paterson, passed by a margin of 89 to 52 in the state's lower h...

NY legislature considers gay marriage

2010-06-25T22:25:50Z

New York's legislature on Tuesday considered allowing gay weddings in the state, as traditional marriage advocates received a glamorous boost from a California beauty queen.

The lower house in the New York legislature was expected to approve a law submitted last month by Governor David Paterson, with a much tougher reading i...

NY legislature launches gay marriage debate

2010-04-16T12:21:46Z

The lower house in New York's assembly was expected Tuesday to back a proposed law on allowing gay marriage in the state, but a tougher battles lies ahead in the upper house.

Governor David Paterson introduced the legislation last month in a bid to make the state the sixth and by far the highest profile allowing same-sex couples to wed.

The same bill being debated Tuesd...

Maine Catholic Church To Fight Gay Marriage

2010-06-25T22:27:17Z

The Catholic Church in Maine has announced it will fight gay marriage in the state; calls gay marriage ?dangerous?

The Catholic Church in Maine has announced it will fight gay marriage in the state.

In a statement released Friday, Bishop Richard Malone, who heads the Maine Governor John Baldacci has signed a gay marriage bill, making Maine the fifth state to legalize gay marriage

Maine Governor John Baldacci has signed a gay marriage bill, making Maine the fifth state to legalize gay marriage, the AP reports.

Senators held a final vote Wednesday on Senator Dennis S. D...

May 7, 2009

2010-10-23T23:38:22Z

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Maine becomes 5th US state to approve gay marriage

2010-04-16T12:28:24Z

The governor of Maine on Wednesday signed a law making the northeastern US state the fifth to allow same-sex marriage.

Governor John Baldacci, a Democrat, signed the law after the upper chamber in the state legislature voted 21 to 13 in favor.

"In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions...

Maine becomes 5th state to approve gay marriage

2010-04-16T12:28:24Z

The governor of Maine on Wednesday signed a law making the northeastern US state the fifth to allow gays to marry.

Governor John Baldacci, a Democrat, signed the law after the upper chamber in the state legislature voted 21 to 13 in favor.

"In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions," B...

Maine Makes Five States For Gay Marriage

2010-10-21T09:31:51Z

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Maine Gay Marriage Foes Seek People's Veto

2010-06-25T22:32:11Z

Maine gay marriage foes have begun an effort to repeal gay marriage, before it has been legalized

Opponents of gay marriage in Maine are preparing to submit a referendum that would yank back the right of gay men and lesbians to marry in the state – even before the legislation has become law.

A gay marriage bill in the Augusta Statehouse

Gays say Maine marriage law can be 'unbearable'

2010-06-25T22:32:33Z

Maine gay-marriage advocates: Current law leads to 'unbearable' hardships for same-sex couples

Diane Sammer and her partner, Pam Dennis, were careful to sign papers giving Sammer power of attorney over Dennis' affairs. Yet after Dennis died of a heart attack and her body was to be cremated, the undertaker refused to accept Sammer's signature.

After some legal wrangling, Sammer signed a document to free the ...

Gay Marriage In The Hands Of Governors

2010-06-25T22:32:39Z

Governors in New Hampshire and Maine likely to decide gay marriage

You could say it's California, 2005 all over again. Except this time, it might be two states that wait on word from their governors on gay marriage bills.

Gay rights advocates are overjoyed to be on the brink of securing the right to marry...

Maine Senate Approves Gay Marriage

2010-06-11T20:18:41Z

Senators in Maine are following closely on the heels of the New Hampshire Senate in passing a gay marriage bill

Two days, two gay marriage victories. Senators in Maine are following closely on the heels of the New Hampshire Senate in passing a gay marriage bill.

Portland's

Maine Committee Strongly Endorses Gay Marriage

2010-06-11T20:19:07Z

A gay marriage bill received a strong endorsement today by Maine's Judiciary Committee

A gay marriage bill received a strong endorsement today by Maine's Judiciary Committee. The committee strongly recommended the House and Senate approve the bill.

Eleven of the 14 members voted in favor of the bill, two vo...

Maine panel endorses gay marriages

2010-06-25T23:00:10Z

Judiciary Committee gives gay marriage bill strong vote of support

A same-sex marriage bill is going to the Maine Senate and House with a strong committee endorsement.

Eleven of the 14 Judiciary Committee members voted Tuesday to pass the bill, while two voted against it and one propos...

Maine's marriage debate turns deeply religious

2010-06-26T00:00:52Z

As gay-marriage dominoes fall throughout New England, Maine gets its turn

A legislative hearing to extend gay marriage to Maine took on the atmosphere of a religious revival Wednesday as ministers made impassioned speeches for and against the bill before thousands of cheering spectators packed into a civic arena.

Gay couples also took turns pleading ...

Standing ovation greets Maine gay marriage bill

2010-04-16T14:13:15Z

Standing ovation greets Maine gay marriage bill at crowded legislative hearing

A public hearing on allowing gay marriage in Maine has opened with a standing ovation for the bill's sponsor.

Sen. Dennis Damon received a roar of approval at a crowded hearing Wednesday when he said the time has come to recognize same-sex marriages.

He says his proposal "recogn...

Iowa court ruling transforms the gay-marriage map

2010-06-26T01:33:05Z

Iowa court ruling transforms the national map of recognition of same-sex couples

Until Friday, only states in the Northeast and bordering the Pacific had granted broad legal recognition to same-sex unions, but that changed with the Iowa Supreme Court ruling ordering that gay and lesbian couples be allowed to wed.

An updated look at the national landscape:

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE:

<...

Gay marriage effort shifts back to New England

2010-06-26T01:49:08Z

Gay marriage effort makes full circle back to northern New England

Vermont was the first state to outlaw slavery. Neighboring New Hampshire declared its independence from England before any other colony. Maine led the way with Prohibition.<...

Newest Anti-Gay Rhetoric: The Economy

2010-06-25T23:59:05Z

Gay rights foes cite the economy as reason to oppose gay rights legislation

The newest mantra of the gay rights opponent is that society cannot afford to grant gay men and lesbians equal rights and that legislators who back the measures are economically “irresponsible.”

In Colorado, where a state Senate panel is set to consider Dem...

Hawaii House Passes Gay Civil Unions

2010-06-26T02:39:56Z

The Hawaii House has passed civil unions for gay couples; the measure moves to the Senate

After just 25 minutes of debate, the Hawaii House approved legislation that would create civil unions for gay and lesbian couples in the state, the Honolulu-based Fox affiliate KHON is reporting.

House Bill 444 was approved by a vote of 33-17. It would grant gay couples all the rights, benefits and responsibilitie...

Travel Trip Winter in Backcountry

2011-01-03T08:32:39Z

This Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010 shows Donna Lawlor of the Brooklyn borough of New York as she snowshoes through the pine forests of Hancock County, Maine. The solitude, quiet and frozen cold of a winter la...

Travel Trip Backcountry in Winter

2011-01-03T08:32:37Z

This Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 photo shows Ron Adolf of Gorham, Maine, as he stands atop the Presidential Range in The White Mountains, N.H. The solitude, quiet and frozen cold of a winter landscape are great reasons to head outdoors in January and February. (AP Photo/Anton Gulovsen) NO SALES

Ski Lift Accident

2010-12-29T07:30:41Z

Sugarloaf mountain is seen on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010 in Carrabasset Valley, Maine, where a 35-year-old chair lift set for improvements failed in high winds at a Maine resort, sending skiers — some of them children — plummeting into ungroomed snow far below. At least eight people, the children among them, were taken to a hospital. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)

Economy

2010-12-28T08:01:28Z

FILE - In this Dec. 22, 2010 file photo, Chris Palmer, of Topsham, Maine, has his arms full carrying his 10-month-old son, Jameson, and some last-minute Christmas gifts he bought at L.L. Bean, in Freepo...

Holiday Shopping

2010-12-22T12:00:41Z

Chris Palmer, of Topsham, Maine, has his arms full carrying his 10-month-old son, Jameson, and some last-minute Christmas gifts he bought at L.L. Bean, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, in Freeport, Maine. ...

News on Maine

Narrow Majority Supports Gay Marriage In Maine

Gay Marriage Campaign In Maine Gathers 25,000 Signatures In 3 Weeks