From the Portland Press Herald:

After a three-hour debate, the Maine House approved a same-sex marriage bill.

The House at 1:47 p.m. enacted a bill allowing gay marriages in Maine by a vote of 89-57. The bill, LD 1020, was sent back to the Senate, which gave it preliminary approval last week and is scheduled to give it final approval on Wednesday. It would then send it to Gov. John Baldacci for his signature.

The proposal would make Maine the fifth state to allow gay marriage. But it's unclear whether Baldacci would sign the bill. Baldacci remains undecided.

This is wonderful news! I hope that Baldacci signs it into law.

But, this is important, so pay attention - If the governor signs it into law, the fight will not be over. The Maine Christian Civic League's website indicates they already have plans in motion for a "people's veto". For those of you unfamiliar with Maine law, what this means is that they will start a petition drive for a ballot measure to repeal this new law. They will need to collect 55,087 signatures to do this, which I am certain they will do with ease. So expect a long ugly summer of hateful propaganda.

Equality Maine is recruiting volunteers for the fight. This is important enough for me to get off my lazy ass and help. If you have time or money to spare, please do! I can not stand to see this go down to defeat.