Gay marriage Valentine's event in Augusta

At 9:30 this morning, a dozen Maine couples will start speaking at the Welcome Center at the State House about what gay marriage rights (or the lack thereof) means to them. Then, they'll deliver Valentine's Day cards to state legislators, along with copies of a video about three same-sex Maine couples who want to get married.

"There are over 400 Maine statutes that reference marriage in areas ranging from family law to health care to probate," reads a press release from the Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition.

That coalition is supporting a bill, introduced by state senator Dennis Damon (D-Hancock) last month, that would end the prohibition on gay and lesbian couples marrying in Maine. "The efforts in Augusta today are part of a statewide initiative to remind Maine legislators that stories of love and commitment are at the heart of marriage," the press release says. On V-Day proper, EqualityMaine and the Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition will be phone-banking on this issue.