I went to breakfast & returned to find yet another state embracing marriage equality

Holy mackerel! There are now FIVE STATES where same-sex couples can marry. I'll admit it: I never expected to live to see such a day. Has sanity and compassion finally come to the United States? (or at least, New England?)

Maine Gov. John E. Baldacci this morning signed LD 1020, "An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom." From the governor's office (emphasis added):

“In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions,” Governor Baldacci said. “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.”

“Article I in the Maine Constitution states that ‘no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor be denied the enjoyment of that person’s civil rights or be discriminated against.’”

“This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State,” Governor Baldacci said.

“It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government.”

The next question: Will anti-gay groups be able to force a statewide vote on the issue? Stay tuned.