Same Sex Marriage Approved

May 6 Governor John Baldacci signed a bill making Maine the fifth state to allow same sex marriage.
I think it is interesting that the governor does not see this as a marriage but as a civil union.
He speaks about fairness and equal protection regarding the law. It is our constitutional right to live a life where "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech."

Are not the religious entities the people that appose same sex marriage?
I pose this question what is marriage?

My definition of marriage is is a contract between two individuals that unites their lives legally, economically and emotionally.
Marriage gives legitimacy to their sexual relationship .
Does this definition conflict with what the Constitution says. I say no!


http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=254850&ac=PHnws

Baldacci said in a statement that while he has opposed gay marriage in the past, “I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.
“This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs," the governor said. "It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of church and state.
“It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government," Baldacci said.

WHAT'S NEXT

Gay-marriage opponents have promised to organize a people’s veto campaign that would put the issue to a statewide vote in November. To do this, opponents would have to gather 55,087 signatures within 90 days after the adjournment of the Legislature, expected to occur in mid-June. The law would then be put on hold until after the vote on Election Day.