AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Gay marriage supporters in Maine say they're moving forward to put the issue up for a statewide vote this year.
Three activist groups have collected far more than the 50,000-some signatures needed to put gay marriage on the ballot. They said Thursday that they intend to submit their petitions.
The Maine Legislature previously approved gay marriage but voters rejected it in a 2009 vote by 6 percentage points.
Thursday's announcement came as no surprise to national gay-rights leaders who anticipated that the Maine vote would move forward.
Maine is the only state in New England that doesn't allow gay marriage or civil unions.
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