Gay Rights Bill Passes - No Automatic Referendum

From the AP:

The 88-62 House vote came after one member, Rep. Will Walcott, publicly acknowledged his homosexuality and told lawmakers, "It does happen to people you know ... friends, loved ones, co-workers."

The Lewiston Democrat urged representatives to "send a message that discrimination will not be tolerated in Maine," drawing applause from other lawmakers.

The House also joined the Senate in defeating an amendment aimed at sending the proposal to voters before going on to defeat a string of other amendments designed to weaken the bill.

Every major newspaper in Maine had an editorial or an op-ed supporting the bill this morning. PPH, BDN, SJ, KJ/MS.

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