The expression “as Maine goes, so goes the nation” has troubling implications if applied to the same-sex marriage movement, although “as goes California” might be a more accurate maxim. On Tuesday, voters in the Pine Tree State overturned a law that would have legalized gay marriage.

One hesitates to read the tea leaves of these things, but the setback for gay rights activists calls into question how much progress has been made since California voters banned same-sex unions in 2008.

Of course there were a multitude of states that beat both to the punch, but none so ostensibly gay-friendly. This feels like another serious morale blow in the mold of Proposition 8. — PZS

AP via Yahoo:

Maine voters repealed a state law Tuesday that would have allowed same-sex couples to wed, dealing the gay rights movement a heartbreaking defeat in New England, the corner of the country most supportive of gay marriage.

Gay marriage has now lost in every single state — 31 in all — in which it has been put to a popular vote. Gay-rights activists had hoped to buck that trend in Maine — known for its moderate, independent-minded electorate — and mounted an energetic, well-financed campaign.

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