Maine is located in the most northern corner of the United States. With its capital in Augusta and several large cities, including Portland, the state is home to more than a million people, despite the fact that it is also one of the smaller states. But before you decide whether or not Maine is going to be your new home, you probably want to know more about how the state treats its LGBT citizens.
Organizations
If you’re thinking of moving to the state and have talked to a gay or lesbian real estate agent, you’ve probably heard that Maine is a fairly open state that was one of the earlier states to recognize LGBT rights. There are a number of LGBT people who live in Maine, of course, and the state has many different organizations and celebrations you can join in. The Maine Gay Men’s Chorus, Pride Portland, SAGE Maine, and the programs at the University of Maine are just a few of the groups that host LGBT-related activities.
Laws Regarding LGBT
In 1976, the statute making consenting same-sex sexual acts illegal was repealed, making Maine one of the earlier states to do this. While the state was also one of the earliest to pass a law banning same-sex marriage (in 1997), they did create domestic partnerships in 2004 and the partners of same-sex state employees received benefits starting in 2001. Several years later, in 2009, a law was actually passed in May that would have allowed same-sex marriage. However, before it could officially be put into place, opponents managed to put the issue to a vote of the people. A referendum was passed in November that repealed the new law.
In 2012, however, popular opinion seemed to swing in the opposite direction, and a petition to put same-sex marriage to a vote was again put forth. It easily qualified for the ballot, and in November, it passed with 53 percent. On December 29, 2012, Maine officially began issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
Adoption and Gender Reassignment
Both single and same-sex couples can adopt in the state with little to no opposition. Those who undergo sex-reassignment surgery may also legally amend the gender listed on their birth certificates.
Legal Protections
Maine does have laws in place protecting LGBT people from discrimination in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, and credit. Sexual orientation is addressed in the state’s hate crime laws, although gender identity is not.
Overall, Maine is a welcoming place to live. While the state does have some room to grow in the area of gender identity and protection, it’s done more than a number of other states have.