Excerpt
SUMMARY: Gay rights advocates won ballot measures in three states -- Washington State, Maryland, and Maine -- ratifying by popular vote the legalization of same-sex marriage. For opposing views on the new laws, Ray Suarez talks to National Organization for Marriage's Thomas Peters and Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders' Lee Swislow.
JEFFREY BROWN (Newshour): Arizona officials today declared that Democratic House candidate Kyrsten Sinema won her race for the Ninth District, which means she will be the first openly bisexual person to serve in Congress.
Her election follows some strong messages sent last week by voters in favor of gay couples exchanging vows.
Ray Suarez has our look.
RAY SUAREZ (Newshour): For the first time, supporters of same-sex marriage won at the ballot box last week, after more than 30 losses. Washington State, Maryland and Maine became the first states to approve the practice by popular vote.
And, in Minnesota, voters shot down a proposed state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.
CONNIE KAUPPI, Minnesota: It means everything, all my friends, to my community. You know, I mean, I have faith in Minnesota. I love this state so much.
RAY SUAREZ: Before last Tuesday, marriage for same-sex couples was legal in six states and the District of Columbia, but those measures were passed by lawmakers or imposed by court rulings. Five other states now allow civil unions.
Election Day marked another milestone for gays in politics. Wisconsin Democrats Tammy Baldwin was elected as the first openly lesbian member of the U.S. Senate, although she said that wasn't her main focus.
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