Maryland set to expand gay rights, same-sex marriage

[alp227]

Source: CNN

Washington (CNN) -- Maryland is poised to become the sixth state to recognize same-sex marriage as proponents say they believe they have enough support to pass such a measure in the upcoming legislative session.

The expansion of gay rights appears to have gained significant traction as Maryland's General Assembly begins its 90-day session Wednesday. Not only are Democrats optimistic about their chances of approving same-sex marriage, but a leading Republican, sensing momentum on the issue, has instead countered with a proposal to grant civil unions to gay couples.

Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley has publicly stated that he would sign a marriage bill into law. Maryland then would join Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C., in sanctioning same-sex marriages.

Maryland has been inching toward granting greater rights and protections for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Last year Democratic state Attorney General Doug Gansler offered a legal opinion recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/01/12/maryland.same.sex.marriage/index.html

[Unvanguard]

1. The chances look very good. The referendum worries me a little, but by 2012 it should be okay.

Here's hoping...

[xchrom]

2. That would be very cool. Nt

[hootinholler]

3. It has my support. n/t

[StopTheNeoCons]

4. K & R x 1 billion

K & R x 1 billion

[One_Life_To_Give]

5. WTG Maryland nt

[LibertyLover]

6. I am proud of my state -

and it means that friends of mine who were married in Massachusetts will now be considered married in their home state. I really hope this passes. I'm off to write my state reps.

[CatholicEdHead]

7. Great news from MD!

[defendandprotect]

8. Great news, among so much other bad news!!! Thanks, Maryland -- go to it!!

[Orangepeel]

9. Yea!

:thumbsup: