Maine Gay Rights Bill Signed Into Law

(Augusta, Maine) Maine Governor John Baldacci signed a bill in law Thursday to protect gays, lesbians and the transgendered from discrimination, but a conservative group has vowed to force the issue to a referendum in the next election.

Calling it a "proud day for Maine." Baldacci, who pushed for the legislation put his named to the document at a ceremony in his office.

Baldacci said that the new law not only "offers essential civil rights," but also "serves as a welcome."

It amends the Maine Human Rights Act by making discrimination in employment, housing, credit, public accommodations and education based on sexual orientation or gender identity illegal.

The measure passed its final test Wednesday night when the Senate agreed with the House to add a clause addressing concerns of opponents that the bill would be a gateway to gay marriages. Language was added to say that the human rights bill did not extend to the issue of marriage.

Despite the addition of the clause the state's largest LGBT civil rights group praised the new law.

"We’re thrilled," Betsy Smith, executive director of Equality Maine, said after the 25 - 10 Senate vote. "We believe the democratic process of government happened here."

But, while the clause assured some reluctant members of the legislature to support the bill it did nothing to placate the conservative Christian Civic League of Maine.

It is threatening to launch a petition drive to send the legislation out to voters.

The league has forced referenda on similar bills three times in the past decade and gays have seen the protections defeated at the polls each time. The most recent was in 2000.

All five other New England states already have legislation protecting LGBT civil rights.

Next Story: Colorado Lawmaker Equates Gay Marriage With Bestiality

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