Maine, Maryland Approve Gay Marriage

Maine and Maryland have made history by becoming the first states to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote, the AP reports. Minnesota voters turned down a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, although state law still forbids gays and lesbians from marrying, the New York Times reports. Washington state is also holding a vote on legalizing gay marriage, with results expected later this week. Nonetheless, supporters there are excited over pre-election polls in their favor.

"Seattleites do not use their horns—ever—but today they’re honking," said a woman holding a sign at an overpass. "It’s making me giddy." In Maryland, supporters celebrated by dancing and cheering the night away: "I’m so elated right now,” said a Maryland woman. "This is the civil rights issue of our time, and we have succeeded in Maryland." Before this election, gay marriage had been rejected in all 32 states that voted on the issue, though it was legalized in six states by lawmakers or through the courts. (More Maine stories.)