Gay Rights Bill Passes Senate With Large Majority

AP Report:

AUGUSTA, Maine - A bill that would bar discrimination against gays and lesbians in Maine won a strong vote of approval Monday in the state Senate, moving the measure to the House where a vote could be held as soon as Tuesday.

The bill adding protections to the Maine Human Rights Act was approved, 25-10, after a debate in which supporters said Maine is lagging behind the other New England states by not having a law that bars discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. [...]

Republican Sen. Chandler Woodcock of Farmington said he´s confident the gay rights bill´s opponents will succeed in putting the issue before voters again.

"This bill, for me, isn´t necessary," Woodcock said.

71% of our Senate opposes discrimination.

[Update - March 29]: The Senate has rejected an amendment that would have sent the bill to a referendum. They also voted down an amendment that would have forced complainants before the Human Rights Commission pay for the costs of the hearings if their cases lost. The bill now goes to the House. You can track its progress here.

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