Openly gay lawmakers were among those speaking passionately in favor of a marriage equality before Maine’s House of Representatives voted 89-58 to pass it today, according to a report in the Washington Blade:

 

Rep. Jim Martin, a gay Democrat, said laws should not be created that would keep people away from loving, monogamous relationships. He said passage of the legislation would enable him to marry his partner legally after they had a commitment ceremony almost 10 years ago.

 

“I’m hoping that on that 10th anniversary, we’ll be able to make it legal,” he said.

 

Rep. Terry Morrison (pictured), who’s also gay and a Democrat, invoked his deceased partner during debate. Morrison said his partner died four years ago after he struggled with depression and took his own life.

 

“I know he’s looking down on me, saying, bravo, kid, bravo, you’re doing what we always wanted to be doing,” he said.

 

Morrison said his daughter reminds him of his deceased partner because she’s his biological daughter and resembles him.

 

“So for all of those doubters who think that we can’t have a family, I’m living proof that we can have a family,” he said.
 

The bill, which earlier passed the State Senate, will now return to the Senate for a final procedural vote before heading to Gov. John Baldacci’s desk, who has not indicated whether he will sign or veto it.