Gay Marriage Update

A surprising victory in New Hampshire made my day. The New Hampshire Senate approved the gay marriage bill after some last-minute wrangling, the question now is whether Governor John Lynch, a Democrat will veto it or not. Although Lynch has stated that he does not support same-sex marriages, many expect him to neither sign nor veto the bill, essentially allowing the law to go into effect.

Maine's Judiciary Committee also demonstrated its strong support for gay marriage by voting 11-2-1 to repeal the state's gay marriage ban. A full vote will follow soon and is expected to pass the bill. Governor John Baldacci's stance is the same as New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, a veto by him is also unlikely. Social conservatives are expected to initiate a "people's veto", sort of a Maine version of Prop 8. However, with public opinion changing every day and more and more people supporting gay marriage, the social conservatives will be facing a very different landscape by the time they make this move. Even today, the public opinion is split 50/50.

With New Hampshire and Maine poising to recognize gay marriage, the three moderate Republican senators, Judd Gregg, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe will be more likely to support granting federal rights to same-sex couples sanctioned by their states.

I'd say, the more, the merrier.