With all of the success that the marriage equality movement has been having lately, and with all of the pending legislation, I wanted to take some time to review what’s happening in a few choice states.

Maine

On Wednesday, thousands of people filled the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine. Why, you ask? Because state legislators were meeting for the first day of public hearings on a bill that would legalize marriage equality. The hearings were originally going to be held in the State House, but the location was changed to accommodate the expected crowds. According to the article at 365Gay.com, the number of supporters of marriage equality far outweighed the opponents. The other amazing thing about this bill is its unprecedented number of co-sponsors. Usually, Maine legislation bills are not allowed to have more than 10 co-sponsors. This bill, sponsored by Senator Dennis S. Damon, has 60. That’s right- 60. According to Damon, the bill’s co-sponsors are both Democrats and Republicans, and from all areas of the state. Maine’s Governor, John Baldacci, is reportedly keeping an open mind on the subject, though he was originally against it.

Rhode Island

On February 26th, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony in public hearings on the bill S0147, for marriage equality. The also heard testimony for S0136, which would “would amend the state constitution to limit the definition of marriage as "the legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife."“

In an article from the Providence Journal by Katherine Gregg, (also from February) we see Governor Trillo’s stance on the issue.

“Were a bill allowing same-sex marriage to make it to his desk as governor, Trillo said he would let a public poll determine whether he vetoed it. “If over 60 percent of the people supported gay marriage ... I would not veto it.” Conversely, he says he would “absolutely” sign into law Republican Sen. Leo Blais’ bill to prohibit same-sex marriage.

Ms. Gregg also reports that 49% of voters support marriage equality, while 37% oppose it.

Rhode Island is one of three states to recognize legal marriage performed in other states, whether between a heterosexual or homosexual couple.

New Hampshire

Legislation for marriage equality has already passed the state House with a final vote of 186 to 179. The bill, HB436, now moves to the Senate.

GLADs Six by Twelve Campaign

GLAD is the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders. The goal of their 6 by 12 campaign is to have marriage equality in all six New England states by the year 2012. It may seem like a lofty goal, but they’re already half-way there. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont all recognize marriage equality, and, as shown above, Maine, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire are on the way with upcoming legislation.

The campaign was announced on November 18, 2008, on the fifth anniversary of the Goodridge v. Department of Public Health case before the Massachusetts Supreme Court, which brought marriage equality to the state.

For more information and ways to get involved, check out these websites:

Equality Maine

Marriage Equality Rhode Island- Blog

New Hampshire Freedom to Marry

~Samantha