States vote to allow Same-Sex Marriage.

[Bob Hubbard]

Today, Maine, Maryland and Washington state vote on whether to legalize same-sex marriage, and Minnesota votes on whether to place a ban on gay marriage in the state constitution.

"Every time gay marriage has gone before the voters it's failed!"

Not any more. While votes are still being counted as I post this, it looks likely that same-sex marriage will be passed by public vote in several states. Meanwhile the Minnesota vote is too close to call with the balance shifting constantly.

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Minnesota

State Results »
Polls Close: 9 PM ET
Same-sex marriage ban

50.8% Reporting

N No 49.0% 741,745
Y Yes 48.0% 726,485
E Estimated Blanks 2.9% 44,115

Would amend the constitution to ban same-sex marriage.

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Maryland

State Results »
Polls Close: 8 PM ET

Legalize same-sex marriage

92.7% Reporting
Y Yes 51.7% 1,120,813

N No 48.3% 1,045,267

Would allow same-sex couples to obtain a civil marriage license

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Maine

State Results »

Polls Close: 8 PM ET
Show More/Less

Legalize same-sex marriage

48.6% Reporting

Y Winner Yes 53.9% 188,168

N No 46.1% 160,671

Would repeal the statewide same-sex marriage ban and allow same-sex couples to marry.

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Washington

State Results »

Polls Close: 11 PM ET
Show More/Less

Legalize same-sex marriage

49.9% Reporting

Y Yes 51.8% 959,857

N No 48.2% 893,953

Would allow same-sex couples to marry and preserve right of clergy or religious organizations to refuse to perform, recognize or accommodate any marriage ceremony.

http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/Measures/2012/

 

[WC_lun]

Once discrimination against race was acceptable. Not anymore. Today discrimination against sexual preference is acceptable. That is changing.

 

[arnisador]

Excellent news!

 

[Master Dan]

A trvia fact Bob states and some cities are realizing the positive financial impact of allowing same sex marriage. I forgot the number but I thought it was New York City reported a very large sum due to this?

 

[Bob Hubbard]

I think the economic impact for NY was about $100M boost, but I'm out of date on my figures and may be remembering wrong. It wasn't chump change. As a provider of services to couples geting married, legal gay marriage literally doubles my prospect base. Doubling the number of potential customers for my photography services IS an economic boost in a down economy.

 

[CanuckMA]

America, welcome to the 20th century.

Hopefully those 4 States will be a watershed event.