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Bill would allow same-sex marriage in Maine

  • Story Highlights
  • Senator's bill would allow any two people in Maine to apply for marriage license
  • Maine's Democratic governor has opposed same-sex marriage, but not civil unions
  • Massachusetts and Connecticut are only states that allow same-sex marriage
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By Laura Batchelor
CNN
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(CNN) -- A Maine lawmaker introduced a bill on Tuesday that would allow same-sex marriages in the state.

A bill introduced in Maine would having it join two other New England states in allowing same-sex marriages.

A bill introduced in Maine would having it join two other New England states in allowing same-sex marriages.

Democratic state Sen. Dennis Damon's bill is entitled "An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedoms." It would allow any two people in Maine to apply for a marriage license.

Mary Bonauto, a Maine resident and civil rights project director for the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), held a news conference Tuesday to show support for the bill.

"Loving, committed same-sex couples in my home state deserve all the rights and responsibilities of marriage," she said.

The bill, however, is sure to face opposition.

Maine Gov. John Baldacci, also a Democrat, said in a statement Tuesday that he is focused on the economy, but in the past has "opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions."

Fellow New England states Massachusetts and Connecticut are the only two in the nation where same-sex marriage is allowed, according to GLAD.

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