Same-sex marriage bills corner two governors

[t0dd]

Green = marriage; Yellow = needs Governor signature
From http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2009/05/05/11184

From the New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/06/us/06marriage.html?scp=6&sq=maine&st=cse

But in Maine and New Hampshire, the governors, both Democrats, will be pivotal in determining whether same-sex marriage proponents succeed in winning over an entire region of the country. Neither Gov. John Baldacci of Maine nor Gov. John Lynch of New Hampshire has made his intentions public. Both men opposed same-sex marriage in the past but have indicated they might be reconsidering.

No governor has yet signed a same-sex marriage bill that was not the result of court ruling. Gov. Jim Douglas, a Republican, vetoed a bill in Vermont last month, and the Legislature then enacted it after an override. And Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, also a Republican, vetoed a similar bill in California in 2005.

From Pam's House Blend

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/10777/governors-on-the-spot-in-the-party-and-with-the-public-re-marriage-equality

Mr. Lynch likely will confront the issue first. Both houses of the New Hampshire legislature have passed same-sex-marriage legislation, although lawmakers still must reconcile differences in the House and Senate versions before sending a bill to the governor.

"He's kind of in a box now because, on a number of occasions, he's said he doesn't support same-sex marriage and that he thinks marriage should be reserved for a man and a woman," said Mr. Smith. "So now, is he going to go with what he said he would do, or what the party wants him to do?"

The fact is, with public testimony by real-life gays and lesbians about how much equality means to them, the pressure to cease and desist using one's personal aversion to marriage equality as an excuse to stop it is mounting. In the case of Lynch, last week he released a statement reiterating his support for civil unions -- but didn't say he would veto a bill that made it to his desk.

In Maine, Gov. John Baldacci has been in the same quandry, and his position going into the debate is that he favored civil unions, but would keep his mind open to the idea that opening civil marriage to gays and lesbians should be the law of his state.

"I'm not prepared to say I support gay marriage today, but I will consider what I hear as the Legislature works to find the best way to address discrimination," Mr. Baldacci said.

Now is the time for these two governors, again, both DEMOCRATS, to stand up for what is right. The battles in New Hampshire and Maine were long and hard-fought. It would be a travesty for us to have come all this way to have equality robbed at the very last moment. They are both reasonable men. Can't they see beyond the politics? Can't they see there is no infringement on religious liberties? Can't they see it is nothing more than an opportunity to help a group of people be a little less alone in the world? However, whatever happens, I must say, I am infinitely proud of lawmakers in both states. They don't hide behind civil unions. They get it. Some of the testimonies today during the House LD 1020 hearing in Maine were heartbreaking to listen to, but made me even more proud to be American, knowing there are beautiful people out there working each and every day to make our country a more tolerant and decent place for all people.

Anyway, what do you think the two governors will ultimately do? A great idea that has been gaining momentum is for both of them to sign their respective bills in a special joint ceremony.

[TexasObserver]

1. Let's hope both Governors do the right thing.

Each state that acknowledges the right of gay marriage is a victory.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

2. Gov. Baldacci will sign it.

He will look like the biggest a-hole ever if he doesn't.

[eShirl]

4. I would be shocked if he doesn't sign it.

Over the years as my governor, I've been pleasantly surprised by his decency time and again.

[Pacifist Patriot]

3. Key sentence here and why language and framing is so important.

The fact is, with public testimony by real-life gays and lesbians about how much equality means to them, the pressure to cease and desist using one's personal aversion to marriage equality as an excuse to stop it is mounting.

An individual can dislike the idea of two men or two women marrying one another, but that individual as a public servant cannot be opposed to equal rights without looking like an idiot. He or she may look like a courageous individual to certain ideologues, but over the long run, it just won't sit well with most Americans.

This is precisely why I think advocating for marriage equality is much more effective than advocating for gay marriage.

I'm also struck by a rough parallel with women's suffrage. State after state after state slowly gave women the right to vote until finally we saw national movement in that direction. Look at the map and that red space that is Rhode Island starts to look awfully isolated. Peer pressure, despite the negative connotation, can be a force for good as well.

That is why I cheer each and every state. I know my home state will be one of the last. They may not grant these rights for the best of reasons, but it will happen one way or another.