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With a referendum likely, the state would have to be the first to approve it at the ballot box.

July 12, 2009

Maine is the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through the legislative process without being forced by a court order.

But before the first same-sex couple can legally marry here, another "first" will likely be needed. It is looking increasingly like it will take a vote by the whole electorate to put this law firmly on the books.

Last week, members of the "Stand for Marriage" coalition said they have already gathered more than the 55,000 signatures needed to halt the implementation of the law, pending a statewide vote.

Since, as we have seen in the past, gathering signatures and having them certified by the Secretary of State is not always the same thing, the group is continuing to collect.

However, there now seems little doubt that they will be able to meet the deadline and force a people's veto election. That means that Maine should be the scene of a tough campaign this fall, featuring out-of-state money and consulting talent interested in not only steering this outcome, but in the precedent it would set for other states.

We trust that Maine voters will have the ability to ignore the noise come to the right conclusion for the people who live here. We also hope that Mainers will be able to resist the kinds of bigoted attacks against foes based on their sexual orientation or religious beliefs that have characterized this fight elsewhere.

The debate in the Maine Legislature showed that even this emotional issue can be discussed with civility and respect for opposing views.

As the fall campaign heats up in Maine, let's hope that tone can be maintained, and voters will be given the respect that they deserve.