Maine could become another California

Unlike the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the citizens of Maine, New York, California, and several other states have the ability to veto legislation, or propose Constitutional Amendments by collecting signatures and forcing a statewide vote. In Kentucky, such Constitutional Amendments may only be passed by the Kentucky House and Senate and then placed to the people for a vote.

This protects us in many ways, and perhaps hurts us in others? However, California lost their same-sex marriage battle because of the way the California Constitution is written, and now the citizens of the State of Maine may suffer the same fate.

Over and over again, the U.S. Supreme Court has stated that domestic relations are a matter of state sovereignty. Per the U.S. Constitution, not even Congress can compel the states to violate its states' citizens state constitutional rights.

Will Maine be the next California because of their System of Government?
Well, organizers of a people's veto campaign to repeal Maine's new same-sex marriage law said today that they've gathered enough signatures to get the measure on the November ballot.

Supporters of same sex marriage say they're not surprised that opponents have apparently collected enough signatures to put the issue on the ballot in November. But Jesse Connolly of Maine Freedom to Marry says the group will continue to focus on educating voters.

But both sides agree that they expect the issue to be on the ballot in November and they expect a tough campaign. If enough signatures are validated, the law will be put on hold until voters decide its fate.

PREVIOUS MAINE GAY MARRIAGE COVERAGE:

• Gay marriage debate in Maine turns religious

• Gay marriage battle reaches Maine