LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Gay marriage supporters in Maine are laying the groundwork for another referendum on the issue, one day after Rhode Island lawmakers approved civil unions for gay couples.
Gay marriage supporters say many have changed their minds since state voters overturned a same-sex marriage law in 2009. They said Thursday they're filing a written application with election officials to start the process of gathering 57,000 signatures to put the matter on the November 2012 ballot.
Matt McTighe from Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders says polls show 53 percent of Mainers now support gay marriage. In 2009, gay marriage was rejected by the same margin.
Gay marriage supporters hope to build in momentum in Rhode Island and in New York, which earlier this month became the sixth state to allow gay marriage.
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