Yet another state backs the conservative, Constitutional principle of equal protection under the law for all, as Maine’s Gov. John Baldacci signs the legislature’s newly approved bill, allowing for marriage equality in the state.
Maine’s recognition of equal justice for all, follows Vermont whose legislature last month over-rode a gubernatorial veto to pass a marriage equality law. Prior to that, same sex marriages were recognized as Constitutionally protected by Supreme Courts in Iowa, Massachusetts, Connecticut and California. In all of the state Supreme Court decisions, it was a Republican-appointee who wrote the majority opinion.
California’s court finding has since been overturned by Prop 8, the constitutionality of which is currently being challenged. For the moment then, five states in the union now protect the right of same sex couples to enjoy the same rights that couples of opposite sexes enjoy.
“Ready or Not, It’s gonna happen!”
Get used to being disappointed neocon christo-fascsists, prop H8 will be overturned too, just like prop 22 was earlier.
Maine Gov. John Baldacci thank you. Whatever the motivation one must commend his eventual enlightenment. Maine legislators did good.
And now State Number Six steps up to the plate
NH governor backs gay marriage
By NORMA LOVE, Associated Press Writer
Thursday, May 14, 2009
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/a...a115152D16.DTL
While marriage equality is important, LGBT couples in those states need to realize that they will not get everything they want with a marriage license, particularly inheritance. NONE of the marriage equality states gives 100% inheritance to a surviving spouse. Having 100% inheritance can come through legal partner protection planning, and not with a marriage license. For more information, go to http://www.gaymarriagealternative.com“”Jeffrey G. Marsocci
Finally, it’s coming to an end. The end of Prop H8!!!
California Supreme Court to rule on Prop. 8 Tuesday
By Josh Richman
Oakland Tribune
Posted: 05/22/2009 11:21:31 AM PDT
Updated: 05/22/2009 12:16:22 PM PDT
The California Supreme Court will issue a ruling at 10 a.m. Tuesday on whether Proposition 8, a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, will stand.
After three hours of arguments to the court on March 5, it seemed as though the seven justices leaned against voiding the measure, but also against voiding the 18,000 same-sex marriages performed last year.
Same-sex marriage advocates argued Proposition 8 “” approved by 52.3 percent of voters in November to add to the state constitution a section saying “Only marriage between a man and woman is valid or recognized in California “” was improperly placed on the ballot as an amendment with nothing more than petition signatures. They say it’s actually a revision “” a sweeping change in the constitution’s core principles “” which should’ve required two-thirds votes of the Legislature or a constitutional convention in order to be placed before voters.
The State of California argued Proposition 8 was an amendment but unconstitutional because it revokes fundamental rights without a compelling government interest.
And same-sex marriage opponents argued the measure should stand as an exercise of Californians’ inalienable, sovereign right to amend their constitution as they see fit.
Friday’s announcement of the impending ruling touched off a flurry of news releases. Marriage Equality USA spokeswoman Molly McKay said awaiting this ruling “has been an absolutely gut wrenching experience,” as gay and lesbian couples fear not only the faltering economy but the potential stripping away of their rights. And Courage Campaign Chairman Rick Jacobs said same-sex marriage will prevail no matter how the court rules, as advocates plan to put another ballot measure before voters in 2010 or 2012 seeking to invalidate Proposition 8: “The tide is turning. Marriage equality is spreading from state to state. It is coming back to California. It’s a matter of how and when.”
http://www.insidebayarea.com/ar...ws/ci_12429538