ISSUES  > Family and Marriage
 
Maine  
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State Information

Government Website: http://www.maine.gov/portal/government/legislature.html

Outline of State Law
Current Status of Law Concerning Marriage and Date of Passage 1997 - State Law Passed 
State Law Prohibits/Voids Same Sex/Same Gender Marriage yes 
State Law Defines Marriage between a Man and a Woman yes 
State Law Denies Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages Solemnized in Other States yes 
State Law States that Same Sex Marriage is not Aligned with State Public Policy no  
State Law Defines "Spouse" as Referring Only to a Person of the Opposite Sex Who is Married as Husband or Wife no 

Statutory Provision

Maine Statutes. Tit. 19-A, Part 2, Chap. 23.  Marriage.

§ 650. Findings and purposes

A.  The union of one man and one woman joined in traditional monogamous marriage is of inestimable value to society; the State has a compelling interest to nurture and promote the unique institution of traditional monogamous marriage in the support of harmonious families and the physical and mental health of children; and that the State has the compelling interest in promoting the moral values inherent in traditional monogamous marriage. 

§701. Prohibited marriages; exceptions  

1. Marriage out of State to evade law. When residents of this State, with intent to evade this section and to return and reside here, go into another state or country to have their marriage solemnized there and afterwards return and reside here, that marriage is void in this State.

 

1-A. Certain marriages performed in another state not recognized in this State. Any marriage performed in another state that would violate any provisions of subsections 2 to 5 if performed in this State is not recognized in this State and is considered void if the parties take up residence in this State

 

5. Same sex marriage prohibited. Persons of the same sex may not contract marriage.

U.S. Senators
US Senators and their Comments on FMA

Susan Collins, Republican
http://collins.senate.gov/
This senator was elected in 1996, therefore not present for the federal DOMA in 1996. The senator voted against the Marriage Protection Amendment in 2004 and 2006.

Olympia Snowe, Republican
http://snowe.senate.gov/
This senator voted for the federal DOMA in 1996 but against the Marriage Protection Amendment in 2004 and 2006.

State Public Policy Organizations Working on Marriage Issues

Christian Civic League of Maine



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