ACLU pushes for gay marriage nationwide

PHILADELPHIA, May 11 (UPI) -- It's just a matter of time before same-sex marriage is legal throughout the United States, the head of the American Civil Liberties Union said.

"Clearly, the momentum is on our side," said Anthony Romero, 43, the first openly gay person and, first Puerto Rican, to head the 89-year-old ACLU.

Recently passed bills would allow Maine, New Hampshire and the District of Columbia to join Massachusetts, Iowa, Vermont and Connecticut in allowing same-sex couples to marry, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Monday.

The California state Supreme Court is reviewing a ban on gay marriage and New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine said he would sign a same-sex marriage bill if it reaches his desk.

Allowing same-sex marriage throughout the United States remains a top ACLU top priority, said Romero, acknowledging gay marriage faces an uphill battle in many states.

"We are used to being David to the government's Goliath," Romero said. "We've done a pretty good job with our slingshot so far."