The state of Maine last week became the fifth state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage, as both houses of the state legislature voted to OK gay unions.

Lawmakers in New Hampshire also approved a same-sex marriage bill, which now goes to the governor.

Last month, Vermont and Iowa approved same-sex unions, following the lead set by Connecticut last year and Massachusetts in 2004.

Now, five states sanction the practice, with a similar measure under consideration in New York.

Photo by iStockphoto.com / © Diana Lundin

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