Maine votes to pass marriage equality in 2012

All the votes are not yet in and the margin is only a few points at this writing, but virtually all of the LGBT organizations and the Portland Press-Herald are calling it a WIN.

Via press release from Freedom To Marry:

Maine today became the first state to approve the freedom to marry for same-sex couples through a majority vote on a ballot measure.

Maine is expected to begin issuing marriage licenses in mid-December.

“Today, a majority in Maine voted in favor of loving and committed same-sex couples seeking the freedom to marry,” said Freedom to Marry National Campaign Director Marc Solomon. “Now the commitment gay and lesbian couples have made in life will be respected equally under the law, celebrated before their loved ones, and called what it is: marriage.”

“It’s hard to overstate the national significance of this vote,” Solomon continued. “For years, our opponents have argued that we could not win a majority vote at the ballot. Today, Maine voters proved them wrong, standing up for the Golden Rule and for freedom for all Mainers.”

This means more to me than you can ever know. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your votes have made more Americans more "equal" than you will ever know.

Great, great day. Thank you.