Tue. February 21, 2012
Annapolis, Maryland -
A Maryland State Senate committee approved a gay marriage bill on Tuesday, sending the bill to the full Senate floor.
Last year, a same-sex marriage bill passed the Maryland state senate by a 25 to 21 vote. This year, the same 24 Democrats and one Republican are expected to continue their support.
The same bill passed the Maryland State House last week. Gov. Martin O'Malley is an outspoken supporter of gay marriage and is expected to sign it.
The bill allows religious organizations to refuse to conduct same-sex marriages, if leaders so choose. Religious groups that own buildings are also allowed the right not to rent them to gay and lesbian couples.
Opponents of gay marriage in Maryland have basically given up on stopping this bill, and are now focused on getting 55,736 signatures necessary to create a ballot referendum on the issue.
For the complete article (non-reader view with multimedia and original links),
Tap here.
Head to the local LGBTQ news, events, directory and people network at ChicagoPride.com