Prospects Dim for Maine Gay Nups Bill

AUGUSTA, Maine – A bill to legalize same sex marriage in Maine (search) has generated passion in the State House, though its passage remains unlikely.

Key lawmakers say a bill introduced by Republican Representative Brian Duprey of Hampden will be defeated.

Even Duprey says he will vote it down. He says he introduced the bill simply at the request of a female constituent who wished to remain anonymous.

A spokesman for Governor John Baldacci says Duprey's bill is ill-timed.

Lee Umphrey says the Legislature should first enact measures to prevent discrimination against gays.