Policy Brief - LD 1020, "An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom"

In May 2009, Maine's Governor John Baldacci signed into law LD 1020, “An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom,” making Maine the fifth state to support marriage between two people regardless of sex.  A People’s Veto calling for the repeal of the “same-sex marriage” law is currently in process and will be on the ballot for public vote in November 2009.

This policy brief is intended to inform voters and policymakers by presenting a discussion of LD1020 and research related to issues brought up in these deliberations about (1) definitions of marriage, (2) impacts on society, and (3) impacts on children. Social scientists are often asked about research that speaks to the questions people are raising about impacts, and social science is increasingly being brought into such discussions. Because the research is located in academic journals, the findings can be hard for the average person to find.  Thus, the intent here is to summarize these findings.  The research evidence suggests that there would be no harm to couple relationships, society, or children in Maine as a result of keeping the “Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom.”