Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in the U.S. state of Maine are a recent occurrence, with most advances and enhances in LGBT rights in the state taking place since the early 2000s. LGBT people in Maine have some of the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexuals, however may face some legal issues not experienced by non-LGBT residents.
Video LGBT rights in Maine
Law regarding same-sex sexual activity
Maine repealed its statutory criminalization of same-sex sexual activity in 1976.
Maps LGBT rights in Maine
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Maine originally banned marriage for same sex couples in 1997.
Maine established domestic partnerships for same-sex couples in April 2004.
On May 6, 2009, the state enacted a law to allow same-sex marriage in Maine. Before the law went into effect, it was repealed by referendum on November 3, 2009.
On January 26, 2012, a petition for a same-sex marriage initiative was delivered to the Secretary of State with over 105,000, more than needed to qualify for the ballot.
On November 7, 2012, a majority of Maine voters approved the Question 1 referendum by a margin of 53% to 47%, legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. The law took effect on December 29, 2012.
Maine has provided benefits to same-sex partners of state employees since 2001.
Adoption and parenting
Maine law permits single LGBT persons and same-sex couples to petition to adopt.
Discrimination protection
The Maine Human Rights Act penalizes discrimination in employment, housing, credit, public accommodations and education opportunity on the basis of sexual orientation or actual or perceived gender identity or expression. The Human Rights Act was amended to add these protections by the passage of LD 1196 in 2005. It was challenged to a veto referendum, which was defeated by 55% of voters, resulting in the approval of the law.
Hate crime
Maine's hate crimes law explicitly addresses sexual orientation. It does not address violence based on gender identity.
Gender identity
Transgender individuals born within Maine may amend their birth certificates, only after sexual reassignment surgery.
It was annonced that in June 2018 from July 1, 2019 - The US state of Maine will legally allow and implement a "gender X" on drivers licenses.
Doe v. Regional School Unit 26
In 2013 the Maine Supreme court ruled in against an Orono School district who was denied a student the use of a bathroom in alignment with their gender identity. This was the first time that a "Bathroom Ban" of any kind had been ruled on in the United States and the first time that such a kind of ban had been struck down.
Conversion therapy
In June 2018, both houses of the Maine Legislature during the budget and veto sessions passed a bill to ban conversion therapy on minors, just before the Sine Die procedure. The Governor of Maine Paul LePage vetoed the bill a month later in July 2018. The Maine House of Representatives attempted to override the veto, by a vote of 79-61 but was sustained. The bill died and will possibly be introduced in February 2019.
Summary of LGBT rights within Maine
See also
- Same-sex marriage in Maine
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
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