• Civil marriage equality in effect at the state level since 2012. (Same-sex couples may legally marry.)

Historical Perspective

• In May 2009 Governor John Baldacci was the first United States governor to sign into law a bill legalizing marriage equality. Unfortunately, the law was repealed by referendum in November of the same year.
• On 6 November 2012, Maine was one of the first 3 states to legalize marriage equality by popular vote with the passage of Question 1.