NEW YORK - Maryland voters have approved same-sex marriage, while similar measures in Maine and Washington state also appeared on track to pass, marking the first time marriage rights have been extended to same-sex couples by popular vote.
The vote was hailed as a watershed moment by gay rights activists because while same-sex unions have been legalised in six states and the District of Columbia by lawmakers or courts, voters had consistently rejected doing so. Now voters in more than 30 states have approved constitutional bans on gay marriage.
Brian Ellner, head of the pro-gay marriage group The Four, said: "It's enormous. We have truly made history. Having the first states approve marriage by a popular vote changes the narrative and sends an important message to the Supreme Court."
President Barack Obama earlier this year became the first US president to support gay marriage and his campaign endorsed the gay marriage measures in the three states.
In Maryland, the measure passed 52% to 48%, with 93% of precincts reporting.
In Maine, it was leading by 54% to 46%, with 62% of precincts reporting, and in Washington it was leading by 52% to 48%, with 61% of precincts reporting.
In Minnesota meanwhile, voters still appeared to be leaning against adding that state to the list of those defining marriage solely as a heterosexual union.
With more than 78% of precincts reporting, the proposed constitutional amendment was trailing 49% to 51%.
The constitutionality of restricting marriage to unions between a man and a woman is widely expected to be taken up by the US Supreme Court soon.
Six states as well as the District of Columbia have expanded marriage rights to include same-sex couples.
In Massachusetts, Iowa and Connecticut, the laws followed court rulings that same-sex couples could not be denied marriage rights.
Legislatures have approved the change in Vermont, in New York and in New Hampshire.
Victory for US gay unions too
NEW YORK - Maryland voters have approved same-sex marriage, while similar measures in Maine and Washington state also appeared on track to pass, marking the first time marriage rights have been extended to same-sex couples by popular vote.
The vote was hailed as a watershed moment by gay rights activists because while same-sex unions have been legalised in six states and the District of Columbia by lawmakers or courts, voters had consistently rejected doing so. Now voters in more than 30 states have approved constitutional bans on gay marriage.
Brian Ellner, head of the pro-gay marriage group The Four, said: "It's enormous. We have truly made history. Having the first states approve marriage by a popular vote changes the narrative and sends an important message to the Supreme Court."
President Barack Obama earlier this year became the first US president to support gay marriage and his campaign endorsed the gay marriage measures in the three states.
In Maryland, the measure passed 52% to 48%, with 93% of precincts reporting.
In Maine, it was leading by 54% to 46%, with 62% of precincts reporting, and in Washington it was leading by 52% to 48%, with 61% of precincts reporting.
In Minnesota meanwhile, voters still appeared to be leaning against adding that state to the list of those defining marriage solely as a heterosexual union.
With more than 78% of precincts reporting, the proposed constitutional amendment was trailing 49% to 51%.
The constitutionality of restricting marriage to unions between a man and a woman is widely expected to be taken up by the US Supreme Court soon.
Six states as well as the District of Columbia have expanded marriage rights to include same-sex couples.
In Massachusetts, Iowa and Connecticut, the laws followed court rulings that same-sex couples could not be denied marriage rights.
Legislatures have approved the change in Vermont, in New York and in New Hampshire.
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