Marriage for Same-Sex Couples Before the New Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org

PORTLAND – The ACLU of Maine is proud to announce that same-sex couples will be allowed to receive marriage licenses in Maine starting Saturday, December 29th.

The Office of the Secretary of State confirmed that Governor Paul LePage certified election results on November 29th. After a 30 day waiting period, An Act To Allow Marriage Licenses For Same-Sex Couples And Protect Religious Freedom goes into effect. On election night, Maine made history by becoming the first state to grant marriage to same-sex couples through a ballot initiative. 53% of Mainers voted in favor of the new law.

“For couples that have been waiting decades for the freedom to marry, waiting a few more weeks doesn’t feel too long,” said Jill Barkley, Marriage Project Coordinator for the ACLU of Maine. “I can’t think of a better way to welcome a New Year than having full equality for all loving and committed couples in our state.”

The ACLU of Maine has dedicated countless hours and resources to ensure equal protection under the law for Maine’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) citizens. Since 2004, the ACLU of Maine has been part of every milestone achieved toward full equality. From protecting against discrimination, preventing bullying based on bias and allowing the freedom to marry, the ACLU of Maine has prioritized a commitment to the rights of the LGBT community.

“All of the work we do is deeply important, but not all of it is as deeply personal as being able to marry the person you love,” said Shenna Bellows, Executive Director of the ACLU of Maine. “December 29th marks one more milestone in the march toward full equality.”

The ACLU of Maine will work to provide more information about the new law to the community through the website, which can be found at www.aclumaine.org.