Maine and Maryland Igniting Same-Sex Marriage Reform
C and R have been in a loving, devoted relationship for 3 years ever since they met at Starbucks. They live together in an apartment in Texas, both graduated from college, and have steady jobs. Through their actions and experiences, they’ve shown each other that they are faithful, honest, and in love. Like any other serious relationship, they talk about getting married. However, it is not an option for them. Their names are Christy and Rachel. They are two people in love and both happen to be women. But by constitutional amendment and Texas state law same-sex marriage is banned. Despite this ban, Maine and Maryland recently ignited a sweeping reform across the nation to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote.
Maine, Maryland, and Washington are the first states to legalize same sex marriage through popular vote.
Same-sex marriage was legalized in Maryland on January 1, 2013 through the Maryland same-sex marriage referendum. The referendum, also known as question 6, appeared on the general election ballot, which allowed the people to vote on the Civil Marriage Protection Act. "Today the marriage equality map expands to Maryland, giving thousands more loving couples the opportunity to make lifelong commitments through marriage,” Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin. "This is a milestone night for the simple truth that when Americans are presented with the real lives of their friends and neighbors, they have no choice but to vote for their equality. It is the momentum reflected in poll after poll that shows a growing majority for marriage equality across the country."