Maine will be front and center next week in the nation's deliberations over same-sex marriage.

The state will enter the national spotlight a few short weeks after the Iowa Supreme Court overturned laws barring same-sex couples from marrying. Vermont lawmakers recently passed a bill similar to the one proposed in Maine.

At least 2,000 supporters and opponents are expected to turn out Wednesday, April 22, at the Augusta Civic Center for a hearing on LD 1020, a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry in Maine. A hearing on a competing measure, LD 1118, which would extend the rights and benefits of married couples to people on the Maine Domestic Partner Registry, will be held at the same time.