In this week’s elections, voters in Maine and Maryland have legalized gay marriage adding to the growth of marriage equality in an increasing number of states.

“Today the marriage equality map expands to Maryland, giving thousands more loving couples the opportunity to make lifelong commitments through marriage,” Human Rights Campaign ( HRC) President Chad Griffin said on election day. He further said ” This is a milestone for the simple truth that when Americans are presented with the real lives of their friends and neighbors, they have no choice but to vote for their equality. It is the momentum reflected in poll after poll that shows a growing majority for equality across the country.

The rainbow flag shown here has become one of the most widely used symbols of  gay pride movement.