TotallyOz Posted January 12, 2011 Posted January 12, 2011 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. "We've been marching in this direction for a while now," said Democratic state Delegate Heather Mizeur. Mizeur, one of the state's seven openly gay legislators, said marriage is simply the expansion of other rights afforded gay couples in recent years, such as granting protections for hospital visitations and extending health insurance benefits. "It just took a little while to get us there, but we're seizing the moment. It's our time," Mizeur said. Democrats in Maryland fared much differently in the November elections than they did in rest of the nation when nearly two dozen state legislative chambers switched from Democratic to Republican control. Despite losing six seats in the House of Delegates, Maryland Democrats picked up two seats in the Senate and have maintained their supermajority in each chamber. The two-seat pickup in the Senate is viewed as the final hurdle needed for passage of the marriage bill. Given those dynamics, the Republican leader of the Senate is offering an alternative. For full story: http://edition.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/01/12/maryland.same.sex.marriage/index.html?hpt=T2 Quote
Guest zipperzone Posted January 13, 2011 Posted January 13, 2011 Lordy Lord - inching towards equal rights - how progressive. Next we'll be told we can use public transportation and public washrooms. Is there no end to their enlightened progress? Quote
AdamSmith Posted January 13, 2011 Posted January 13, 2011 Lordy Lord - inching towards equal rights - how progressive. "...with all deliberate speed..." http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trr007.html Quote
Keenan Smith Posted January 13, 2011 Posted January 13, 2011 As a resident of Maryland I hope this happens. Quote
