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LGBTQ rights in Maine

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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Maine have the same legal rights as non-LGBTQ people. Same-sex marriage has been recognized in Maine since December 2012, following a referendum in which a majority of voters approved an initiative to legalize same-sex marriage. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited in the areas of employment, housing, credit and public accommodations. In addition, the use of conversion therapy on minors has been outlawed since 2019, and joint adoption is permitted for same-sex couples.

LGBTQ rights in Maine
Maine (US)
StatusLegal since 1976
(Legislative repeal)
Gender identityAltering sex on birth certificate and other documents allowed
Discrimination protectionsSexual orientation and gender identity protections (see below)
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsSame-sex marriage since 2012
Domestic partnerships since 2004
AdoptionSame-sex couples allowed to adopt

History and law regarding same-sex sexual activity

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Upon statehood in 1820, Maine continued to enforce Massachusetts law. At the time, Massachusetts law punished anal intercourse with hard labor of up to ten years. One year later, Maine enacted its own sodomy law, essentially copying the Massachusetts law, reading: "That if any man shall commit the crime against nature with a man or male child, or man or woman shall have carnal copulation with a beast..." The penalty was set at one year's solitary confinement followed by 10 years of hard labor. A revision in 1840 removed the gender-specifics (heterosexual sodomy was made criminal), the one year of solitary confinement and the hard labor provision. The penalty was finally set at a maximum of up to ten years' imprisonment.[1] This would remain unchanged until 1976.

The first court case dealing with the issue occurred in 1938. In State v. Cyr, the Maine Supreme Court unanimously ruled that fellatio (oral sex) constituted an offense and fell under the scope of the sodomy statute as being a "crime against nature". In this particular case, Cyr had engaged in oral sex with an unnamed woman. Even though the woman had performed the act, only Cyr was prosecuted. In 1939 in the case of State v. Langelier, the same court held that consent was no defense to a charge of sodomy (both consensual and non-consensual activity could be prosecuted). The sodomy law was broadened to include acts of cunnilingus in 1950 in State v. Townsend. In State v. Pratt in 1955, the state Supreme Court ruled that masturbation, despite being a "vile, unnatural and detestable sexual perversion", was not a violation of the sodomy statute.[1]

In the 1960s, a gay man prosecuted for sodomy attempted to have the law overturned as unconstitutionally vague and an invasion of privacy, though the state Supreme Court ruled against the plaintiff in State v. White in 1966. The last sodomy case was State v. Pratt decided in 1973, where the Supreme Court overturned the conviction of Pratt for sodomy because the trial judge had instructed the jury that sodomy was complete upon a mere touching of a penis. The Supreme Court reiterated state law that actual penetration had to be proven.[1]

Maine repealed its statutory criminalization of same-sex sexual activity in 1976.[2] Sodomy between heterosexual partners was legalized at the same time. The age of consent was set at 16.

Recognition of same-sex relationships

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Main articles: Domestic partnership in Maine and Same-sex marriage in Maine

Maine established domestic partnerships for same-sex couples in April 2004.[3]

Following legal developments in Hawaii, as well as several European countries and Canada, Maine enacted a ban on same-sex marriage in 1997.[4] On May 6, 2009, the state enacted a law to allow same-sex marriage.[5][6] Before the law went into effect however, it was repealed by a referendum on November 3, 2009.[7][8]

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.[9] On November 7, 2012, a majority of Maine voters approved the initiative, known as Question 1, by a margin of 53% to 47%, legalizing same-sex marriage in the state.[10] The law took effect on December 29, 2012.

Maine has provided benefits to same-sex partners of state employees since 2001.[11]

Adoption and parenting

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Maine law permits single LGBT individuals and same-sex couples, whether married or unmarried, to petition to adopt.[12]

Lesbian couples have access to in vitro fertilization. State law recognizes the non-genetic, non-gestational mother as a legal parent to a child born via donor insemination, irrespective of the marital status of the parents.[13] In addition, surrogacy arrangements are legal and recognized in the state. Same-sex couples are treated in the same manner as opposite-sex couples in using the gestational or traditional surrogacy process.[14]

Discrimination protections

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Maine law penalizes discrimination in employment, housing, credit, public accommodations and education opportunity on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, among other categories.[15][16] The law was amended to add these protections in 2005, passing the House of Representatives 91–58 and the Senate 25–10. It was challenged in a veto referendum, which was defeated by 55% of voters on November 8, 2005; as a result, the law remained on the books.[17]

Legislation to protect LGBTQ people from unfair discrimination was first proposed in 1977, though did not pass either chamber of the Maine Legislature. A bill passed both the House and Senate in 1993, but was vetoed by Governor John R. McKernan Jr.[18] Another bill passed both chambers in 1999 and was signed into law by Governor Angus King, but was defeated in a referendum on November 7, 2000, by a margin of 4,000 votes.

On June 17, 2021 the Maine Legislature passed and the Governor of Maine signed a bill (LD1688) - to explicitly include "gender identity and family status" throughout all of Maine legal statutes, not just discrimination laws.[19]

Healthcare facilities data

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Beginning October 1, 2026 healthcare facilities within Maine must mandate and explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity data - under Maine laws enacted.[20]

Hate crime law

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Maine's hate crime law includes both sexual orientation and gender identity.[21] The law provides penalty enhancements for a crime motivated by the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, amongst other categories.

Gay and trans panic defense

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In June 2019, the Maine Legislature passed a bill (passing the House by a vote of 132–1 and the Senate by a vote of 35–0) to ban the gay and trans panic defense, effective from July 1, 2019.[22][23] The gay panic defense is a legal strategy in which defendants accused of violent offenses claim that unwanted same-sex sexual advances provoked them into reacting by way of self-defense. Occasionally, the defendant may see their charges decrease from murder to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Transgender rights

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In April 2024, a bill passed and signed within Maine - by both the Governor and Legislature “protects, defends and safeguards gender-affirming healthcare explicitly” (alongside abortion).[24][25]

Since July 2023, a law implemented legally allows 16 and 17 year olds to access hormone therapy for gender-affirming healthcare within Maine - passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the Governor.[26]

Since November 2019, Maine residents no longer require certification from a medical provider in order to change the gender marker on their driver's licenses and state ID cards. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will issue an updated driver's license upon receipt of a completed "Gender Designation Form".[27] A new birth certificate reflecting an applicant's gender identity will be issued by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services following the completion of a notarized affidavit by that applicant. The new birth certificate will record the applicant's requested sex, that being "male", "female" or "X", along with a new first and middle name as designated by the applicant.[28]

Three sex options are available on driver's licenses and state ID cards, that being "male", "female" and "X".[29][30][31] The "X" option became available for birth certificates in July 2020. Applicants for an "X" require a declaration from a licensed physician or mental health provider affirming their gender identity. Minors also require parental consent.[32][33][34]

In January 2024, following right wing backlash, Maine Democrats voted unanimously to strike a bill which would've provided sanctuary protections to trans minors.[35][36]

Doe v. Regional School Unit 26

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In January 2014, the Maine Supreme Court ruled in Doe v. Regional School Unit 26 against an Orono school district which had denied a student the use of a bathroom in alignment with her gender identity.[37]

Conversion therapy

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See also: List of U.S. jurisdictions banning conversion therapy

In June 2018, both chambers of the Maine Legislature passed a bill to ban conversion therapy on minors, prior to adjourning sine die.[38][39] Governor Paul LePage vetoed the bill on July 6, 2018. In his veto message, LePage stated that the bill was "[a] threat to an individual's religious liberty" and added that parents "have the right to seek counsel and treatment for their children from professionals who do not oppose the parents' own religious beliefs. We should not prohibit professionals from providing their expertise to those who seek it for their own personal and basic questions such as, 'How do I deal with these feelings I am experiencing?'". Conversion therapy has been labelled pseudoscience by all major American medical and psychological associations, including the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association.[40] On July 9, 2018, the Maine House of Representatives attempted to override the veto, but failed by a vote of 79–61.[41]

On May 8, 2019, the House passed new legislation to ban conversion therapy on minors, with a vote of 91–46. It later passed the Senate on May 21, 2019 by a vote of 25–9. Governor Janet Mills signed the legislation into law on May 29, 2019.[42][43] The new law became effective 90 days after the conclusion of the legislative session (i.e. September 17, 2019). It prohibits licensed health care providers from practicing conversion therapy on minors within the state.[44][45]

Public opinion

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A 2017 Public Religion Research Institute poll found that 71% of Maine residents supported same-sex marriage, while 25% were opposed and 4% were unsure.[46]

Public opinion for LGBTQ anti-discrimination laws in Maine
Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size 		Margin of
error 		% support % opposition % no opinion
Public Religion Research Institute January 2-December 30, 2019 266 ? 76% 19% 5%
Public Religion Research Institute January 3-December 30, 2018 303 ? 69% 26% 5%
Public Religion Research Institute April 5-December 23, 2017 359 ? 75% 19% 6%
Public Religion Research Institute April 29, 2015-January 7, 2016 460 ? 70% 25% 5%

Summary table

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Same-sex sexual activity legal   (Since 1977)
Equal age of consent (16)   (Since 1977)
Anti-discrimination laws in all areas   (Since 2005 for sexual orientation and gender identity)
Hate crime law includes sexual orientation and gender identity  
Same-sex marriages   (Since 2012)
Recognition of same-sex couples (e.g. domestic partnership)   (Since 2005)
Joint and stepchild adoption by same-sex couples  
Lesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve openly in the military   (Since 2011)
Transgender people allowed to serve openly in the military   (Since 2021)[47]
Intersex people allowed to serve openly in the military   (Current DoD policy bans "hermaphrodites" from serving or enlisting in the military)[48]
Right to change legal gender  
Access to IVF for lesbian couples  
Gay and trans panic defence banned  
Conversion therapy banned on minors  [44]
Third gender option  
Surrogacy arrangements legal for gay male couples  
MSMs allowed to donate blood  /  (Since 2020; 3-month deferral period)[49]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "The History of Sodomy Laws in the United States - Maine". www.glapn.org.
  2. ^ "Maine Sodomy Law". Hrc.org. 2007-03-09. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  3. ^ "Maine Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law". Hrc.org. 2009-11-04. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  4. ^ "Maine Legislature Votes To Ban Gay Marriages". The New York Times. Associated Press. March 28, 1997.
  5. ^ State of Maine: "Governor Signs LD 1020, An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom," May 6, 2009, accessed February 24, 2012
  6. ^ Boston Globe: Jenna Russell, "Gay marriage law signed in Maine, advances in N.H.," May 6, 2009, accessed February 24, 2012
  7. ^ Politico.com: Michael Falcone, "Maine vote repeals gay marriage law," November 4, 2009, accessed February 24, 2012
  8. ^ CNN: "Maine rejects same-sex marriage law," November 4, 2009, accessed February 24, 2012
  9. ^ Steve Mistler (January 26, 2012). "It's on: Same-sex marriage supporters give it another try". Lewiston Sun Journal.
  10. ^ Edith Honan (November 7, 2012). "Maryland, Maine, Washington approve gay marriage". Reutersl.
  11. ^ National Conference of State Legislatures: "States offering benefits for same-sex partners of state employees" Archived 2010-12-30 at the Wayback Machine, accessed April 16, 2011
  12. ^ "Maine Adoption Law". Hrc.org. 2009-12-09. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  13. ^ "Maine's equality profile". Movement Advancement Project.
  14. ^ "What You Need to Known About Surrogacy in Maine". American Surrogacy.
  15. ^ "Maine Non-Discrimination Law". Hrc.org. 2007-03-09. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  16. ^ "Title 5, Chapter 337: Human Rights Act". Maine Legislature.
  17. ^ "Maine Reject Extension of Civil Rights Protections Regardless of Sexual Orientation, Question 1 (2005)". Ballotpedia.
  18. ^ "Sexual Orientation in the Maine Human Rights Act". Maine Legislature.
  19. ^ "Maine LD1688 | 2021-2022 | 130th Legislature".
  20. ^ [1]
  21. ^ "Title 17-A: Maine Criminal Code, Part 1: General Principles, Chapter 5: Defenses and Affirmative Defenses; Justification". Maine Legislature.
  22. ^ "Movement Advancement Project | Gay/Trans Panic Defense Bans". www.lgbtmap.org.
  23. ^ "Maine LD1632 | 2019-2020 | 129th Legislature". LegiScan.
  24. ^ [2]
  25. ^ [3]
  26. ^ [4]
  27. ^ "Maine". National Center for Transgender Equality.
  28. ^ "Gender Marker Change on Birth Certificates FAQs" (PDF). Department of Health and Human Services.
  29. ^ Bodnar, Marissa (November 7, 2019). "Maine makes it easier to change gender on driver's license". WGME. Augusta.
  30. ^ "Maine becomes the third U.S. state to legally recognise gender non-binary people". Gay Times. June 17, 2018.
  31. ^ "Maine considers adding nonbinary option to birth certificate". Bangor Daily News. Augusta. February 21, 2020.
  32. ^ Stockford, Griffin (July 14, 2020). "Maine now offers nonbinary option on birth certificates". News Center Maine.
  33. ^ "Identity Document Laws and Policies". lgbtmap.org.
  34. ^ "Application to Change the Name and/or Sex on a Record of Live Birth to Support Gender Identity" (PDF). Department of Health and Human Services.
  35. ^ "Maine Democrats bail on bill making state sanctuary for trans people amid far-right uproar". Advocate.
  36. ^ "Maine Democratic lawmakers kill trans refuge bill". LA Blade.
  37. ^ "Doe v. Clenchy". GLAD.
  38. ^ Writer, Kevin MillerStaff (June 26, 2018). "Bill to ban 'conversion therapy' headed to LePage".
  39. ^ "Actions". legislature.maine.gov.
  40. ^ EDT, Ramsey Touchberry On 7/7/18 at 12:26 PM (July 7, 2018). "Maine Republican Governor Paul LePage vetoed a bill on Friday that would have banned conversion therapy". Newsweek.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  41. ^ staff, Maine Public (9 July 2018). "Maine House Sustains LePage's Veto Of 'Conversion Therapy' Ban". www.mainepublic.org.
  42. ^ "Maine becomes 17th US state to ban conversion therapy on minors". Gay Star News. May 29, 2019. Archived from the original on July 30, 2019. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  43. ^ "Mills Signs State 'Conversion Therapy' Ban". MPBN. 2019-05-29. Retrieved 2019-05-29.
  44. ^ a b "Maine Bans Conversion Therapy for Minors | NewNowNext". www.newnownext.com.
  45. ^ Campaign, Human Rights. "Maine Gov. Signs Bill Protecting Youth from "Conversion Therapy"". Human Rights Campaign.
  46. ^ Consulting, Epicenter. "PRRI – American Values Atlas". ava.prri.org.
  47. ^ Baldor, Lolita; Miller, Zeke (January 25, 2021). "Biden reverses Trump ban on transgender people in military". Associated Press.
  48. ^ "Medical Conditions That Can Keep You From Joining the Military". Military.com. 25 February 2022.
  49. ^ McNamara, Audrey (April 2, 2020). "FDA eases blood donation requirements for gay men amid "urgent" shortage". CBS News.
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