New England states lead the charge for gay marriage
by John Curran
Associated Press
Saturday Mar 28, 2009
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=features&sc3=&id=89015 (http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=features&sc3=&id=89015)
Vermont was the first state to outlaw slavery. Neighboring New Hampshire declared its independence from England before any other colony. Maine led the way with Prohibition. These days, Yankee activism has another cause - gay rights.
Two states in New England already allow same-sex marriage, and lawmakers in three more are considering it, although passage is far from certain.
To some, the push is emblematic of a live-and-let-live ethic and burnished by gradual acceptance of gay relationships after Vermont's groundbreaking civil unions law took effect in 2000. Others see it as a targeted effort by a vocal minority that has turned to the Northeast because its message can't get traction elsewhere.