The freedom to marry will take effect in Maine on December 29
December 04, 2012
The freedom to marry - which Mainers approved on November 6 by voting YES on Question 1 - will take effect on Saturday, December 29.
Last week, on Thursday, November 29, Maine Governor Paul LePage signed off on the certified election results for the state of Maine - including the result that, for the first in history, Mainers passed the freedom to marry for same-sex couples at the ballot. The new marriage law becomes effective 30 days after certification.
Couples in Maine - including Sarah and Linda, pictured - are thrilled they'll finally be able to marry in their state.
In a press release, Betsy Smith, EqualityMaine's executive director, heralded December 29 as a historic day for same-sex couples in Maine. She said:
The long wait for marriage for same-sex couples in Maine is almost over. Before the end of this year, all loving and committed couples in Maine will be able to stand before their friends, family, and community and make a lasting vow to be there for one another.
Dates for the first day of marriages in Maryland and Washington - which also approved the freedom to marry for same-sex couples on Election Day - were previously announced. Couples in Maryland will begin marrying on January 1, 2013, while couples in Washington will be able to apply for marriage licenses on December 6, 2012, and marriages will begin three days later, on December 9.
Read more about the ballot measure wins, and check out nearly two dozen couples excited to tie the knot in these states!