Maine becomes fifth state to allow marriage for same-sex couples

Governor John Baldacci made Maine the fifth state in the country to extend marriage to same-sex couples.

Baldacci signed the legislation earlier today in Augusta. And activists across the country were quick to praise his decision.

“Just one year ago, a single state allowed same-sex couples to marry," Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said. "Now, with the historic step taken by Gov. Baldacci and the Maine legislature, five states will provide equal dignity, equal respect, and equal rights under state law for same-sex couples by recognizing their freedom to marry, and we hope more will follow soon.”

[Boy in Bushwick will add more reaction as he receives them,] but Baldacci's decision to sign the bill comes on the heels of the District of Columbia's decision earlier this week to allow marriage for same-sex couples.

Lawmakers in New Hampshire and New York are among those across the country who continue to debate the issue. And couples are scheduled to begin to marry 90 days after the legislative session ends next month.