Maine gov urges residents to vote for gay marriage

BANGOR, Maine (AP) — Maine Gov. John Baldacci is urging residents to vote against repealing the state's same-sex marriage law while acknowledging his past opposition to gay marriage.

Baldacci said Tuesday that he once preferred civil unions to gay marriage but came to believe a civil union is not equal to civil marriage. He signed the gay marriage bill into law last May.

In one week, Maine voters will cast ballots to decide whether to repeal the state's gay marriage law, which was passed by the Legislature earlier this year.

Baldacci says same-sex marriage is an emotional issue and says good, honest people are on both sides of the debate.

The governor was joined at the news conference by members of the Vote No campaign.