Maryland

A Maryland House committee passed the Senate-approved gay marriage bill Friday, moving the state just steps away from becoming the sixth state that recognizes same-sex marriage.

The House of Delegates Judiciary committee passed the gay marriage bill by a 12-10 vote, three days after the committee was expected to do so. Dels. Tiffany Alton (D-Prince George’s County) and Jill Carter (D-Baltimore City) walked out of the committee meeting on Tuesday.

Alton, a co-sponsor of the House gay marriage bill, expressed doubt about voting for the bill. Ultimately, Alton voted against the legislation. Carter walked out in the hopes of drawing attention to other legislations, such as a child custody bill and approving education funding. She voted for the legislation today. more >>

Gay marriage opponents are gathering names for a referendum as the Maryland House of Delegates consider a bill that would legalize gay marriage in the state.

Supporters of traditional marriage are not waiting for state delegates or Gov. Martin O’Malley to approve the gay marriage legislation before preparing for the 2012 referendum. Pro-family advocates are already collecting petition signatures to give voters the final say in the same-sex marriage debate.

Family Research Council Chaplain Rev. Pierre Bynum, who is a Maryland resident, is very optimistic that there will be enough support for a referendum. more >>

The Maryland Senate approved a legislation allowing same-sex marriages in the state on Thursday.

In a 25 to 21 vote, state senators passed the bill with only one Republican, Sen. Allan Kittleman (R-Howard), joining 24 Democrats to support passage of the legislation. Only 24 votes were required to pass the gay marriage bill.

The bill was amended to include protection for religious groups and institutions so they would not be forced to be involved in same-sex wedding ceremonies. more >>

The Maryland Republican Party is urging residents to pressure state senators to vote against a bill legalizing gay marriage, which is expected to come up for debate this week.

On Saturday, the state GOP sent out alert emails encouraging social conservatives to call swing-vote senators and tell them to protect marriage between a man and a woman.

“It is urgent that you contact your state senator immediately to tell them to vote no on the assault on traditional marriage," states GOP chairman Alex Mooney in the email. more >>

A Maryland state Senate committee approved legislation allowing same-sex marriage Thursday afternoon, allowing the bill to move to the full Senate floor for a vote.

The Judicial Proceedings Committee passed the legislation in a 7-4 vote.

Already, gay rights activists are rallying state senators in order to gain the 24 votes needed to pass the same-sex legislation in the Senate and move it to the House of Delegates. more >>

A Maryland lawmaker says the “hate and venom” of gay marriage opponents has led him to change his vote to support the state’s same-sex marriage bill.

Democratic State Sen. James Brochin announced Thursday that he intends to vote for the same-sex marriage bill, bringing the bill one step closer to Senate passage.

“For me, the transition to supporting marriage has not been an easy one, but the uncertainty, fear, and second-class status that gays and lesbians have to put up with is far worse and clearly must come to an end," Brochin said in a statement. more >>