Despite a close race, with a majority of precincts reporting, same sex marriage advocates are conceding defeat in Maine. According to the Bangor Daily News unofficial election results, with 95% of precincts reporting, 52.9% voted to repeal the rule allowing for same sex marriage. 47.1% voted to preserve the unions.
However, in brighter news, Washington state approved Amendment 71, preserving the rights of state-registered domestic partners. View results here.
From the Associatied Press:
Maine voters repealed a state law Tuesday that would have allowed same-sex couples to wed, dealing the gay rights movement a heartbreaking defeat in New England, the corner of the country most supportive of gay marriage. Gay marriage has now lost in every single state â┚¬â€ 31 in all â┚¬â€ in which it has been put to a popular vote. Gay-rights activists had hoped to buck that trend in Maine â┚¬â€ known for its moderate, independent-minded electorate â┚¬â€ and mounted an energetic, well-financed campaign.
