Maryland Senate Committee Passed Same Sex Marriage Legislation; Full Senate Vote Expected Next Week; House Vote Scheduled For February 23rd

WBAL-11 reports that legislation to legalize same sex marriage in Maryland was approved by a Senate committee Thursday afternoon, clearing the first barrier needed for passage this year by the General Assembly. By a 7-4 vote, the Judicial Proceedings Committee approved the legislation, and added a clause designed to protect religious groups, allowing an exemption to perform same sex marriage ceremonies or provide services for the ceremonies. The bill is now sent to the Senate floor, where 24 Senators have publically pledged their support, enough for the legislation to pass, repealing a 38 year old provision in Maryland law that defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman, and affording same sex couples the identical benefits, responsibilities and rights as opposite sex couples. The full Senate will vote on the bill next week. Opponents of the bill refused to attach a filibuster label, Republican Minority Leader Senator Nancy Jacobs saying “There will be strong discussion on both sides, Republicans and Democrats. This is not led by Republicans. Democrats are going to be speaking out against the bill, as well.” The House version of the bill will be heard February 23rd. Democratic Majority Leader Delegate Kumar Barve said “We believe we have the votes to get the bill out of the Judiciary Committee, assuming the bill will pass the Senate.”Governor Martin O’Malley, a Democrat, has said he will sign the measure into law if it reaches his desk. If successful, Maryland would become the sixth state in America to certify same sex marriage.