The Maryland state legislature convenes today in Annapolis and one of the top items on its agenda is a same-sex marriage bill. Democratic governor Martin O’Malley is expected to introduce the bill as part of his legislative slate for the 2012 session in hopes that this time the measure actually passes. The same bill hit a snag last year when, after squeaking by in the State Senate, it failed to pass the House. But this year O’Malley and fellow Democrats are feeling more positive about the bill’s chances of passing and hope they can sway a few votes in the house.
O’Malley, who initially only supported civil unions, notably changed his position on marriage equality last year, stating publicly that “the government needs to enforces rights and protect rights equally among all its people.” Now he’ll be fighting for the bill’s passage in the upcoming session and, hopefully, marking another step forward in the fight for the recognition of equal rights for gays and lesbians who want to marry.
If it happens, it would make Maryland the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage. And, even more notably, Maryland would be the first state south of the Mason-Dixon line to recognize marriage equality.
Andy
OK, I’m just gonna say it cuz we’re all thinking it. O’Malley is sexy.
Kirk
He is the hottest elected official in America…
Tyler
Please correct and recheck work before posting. It would make Maryland the seventh state, following New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and New Hampshire (as well as Washington DC). Eighth if Washington state passes its marriage equality bill, which began hearings in committee today in Olympia.
Freddie
Gay-friendly politicians tend to look like O’Malley. Anti-gay ones look like Swingrich. Coincidence?
Darrell
@Freddie: Omg! I’ve totally noticed that!
Marie Cohn
Coulda passed last year, except Maggie and the black church ladies and their angry pastors got involved in the final hours. Supporters of marriage equality were caught off guard.
pedro
@Tyler: The Courts ruled in MA…That’s the Judiciary, not the legislature…just saying!
hyhybt
Washington State’s won’t take effect until after a referendum is held, and we might lose New Hampshire in the meantime…. which could possibly make Maryland 6th depending on the timing…
But regardless of order (which is all thrown off with California anyway), this time next year there might be TEN states. And that’s ignoring the possibility of a favorable ruling in the Prop 8 case going into effect, which could happen this year if the Supreme Court declines an appeal.
Mark F.
@ Andy: He is sexy. VERY, VERY sexy!! Too bad he’s not gay.:-(