According to the Bangor Daily News, the House has followed the Senate’s lead in Maine, approving marriage equality in a vote this afternoon.

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine House of Representatives today gave its initial approval to a bill allowing same-sex marriage.

The vote of 89 in favor to 58 opposed sends the LD 1020 back to the Senate for its final approval.

The House, in a 85 to 62 vote also rejected a try to send the matter to referendum.

The proposal would make Maine the fifth state to allow gay marriage. But it’s unclear whether Gov. John Baldacci would sign the bill. Baldacci remains undecided.

Four states now allow same-sex marriages: Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa by court orders and Vermont through legislation. New Hampshire’s Legislature is actively considering a gay marriage bill.

Maine Governor John Baldacci has expressed disapproval of same-gender marriage, but has given hints recently that he may have changed his mind. If the amended bill makes it through the Senate to his desk, Maine may soon be the fifth state in the Union to permit gays to marry civilly.