Voters in four states are making their voices heard on Election Day when it comes to the issue of gay marriage. In the states of Maryland, Washington and Maine, if measures are passed, same-sex marriage would be legalized. In Minnesota, voters are asked if they should prevent lawmakers from making a move to allow gay marriage by creating an amendment to the state’s constitution.
Of right now, there are just six states and the District of Columbia that permit gay marriage. All of those changes came from decisions made by state legislatures and courts. Those who are in favor of same-sex marriage have never won a state vote for gay marriage.
As polls were released over the past couple of weeks leading up to Election Day, the four states voting for same-sex marriage could pass legislation that would permit it. Those working on both sides of the issue said that the data could be inflated because of people who respond that they are in favor of same-sex marriage but might wind up voting differently.
“This is our first real chance at turning back that record, and we have an amazing shot,” said Fred Sainz. Sainz is a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign and he spoke to the Wall Street Journal about the issue. According to Brian Brown, the president for the National Organization for Marriage, said that supporters of same-sex marriage have been outspending opponents. Brown’s group opposes gay marriage and he said, “They’re all tough states.”
Brown also said that should the battle be lost in any of the states and same-sex marriage be approved, his group could see a new round of fundraising and activism. Brown, in an interview with Politico, said that the endorsement by Obama for same-sex marriage has not persuaded that many voters. “What it has done is further polarize the country and the party,” he said.