Maine Becomes Fifth State Allowing Same Sex Marriage

Maine's Gov. John Baldacci signed the recently passed bill Wednesday which gave approval for gay marriage. Maine is now the fifth state to approve marriage equality. He had not previously indicated whether or not he would sign the bill, but said that in the past he supported civil unions, but not marriage. New Hampshire legislators are set to send their governor a gay marriage bill, but he hasn't indicated if he will approve or veto. If he approves the bill, only Rhode Island will still need to allow same sex marriage in New England.

The Maine Senate had one vote absent, but voted 21-13 to authorize marriage between two people, as opposed to one man and one woman.

New Hampshire's House was expected to vote on their bill Wednesday, and then give it to Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat. Massachusetts' high court ruled to recognize gay marriages five years ago. In Rhode Island, a bill has been introduced legalizing same-sex marriage, but there are no expectations of it passing this year. The only state not in New England, Iowa, recognizes gay marriages per court orders.