Amendment 1 Minnesota Results: With Gay Marriage Ban Tied, LGBT Voters See Wins

Impact

Election Day is turning out to be a big win for the LGBT community.

In a reversal of a 2009 vote, in which same-sex marriage was defeated. Maine voted to legalize same-sex marriage on Tuesday. Maine now joins seven other states (including Maryland, which also legalized same-sex marriage on Tuesday) as well as the District of Columbia in allowing lesbians and gays to marry. Maine became first state to pass a same sex bill by popular vote.

Voters in Maryland approved the state’s same-sex marriage law on Tuesday, according to exit polls and early returns. These victories marked a historic moment for the gay-rights movement nationally, which had lost at the ballot box in more than 30 states.

In Minnesota, Amendment 1, a vote on a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage remains very close, with a split electorate with 67% reporting.

In Wisconsin, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin became the first openly gay member of the United State Senate.

Members of the LGBT community can take these victories, coupled with the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and be encouraged that there is a growing trend towards acceptance and respect for alternative lifestyles in America.