Baltimore County Democrat Proposes Amendment To Civil Marriage Protections Act Implying He Will Vote For Same Sex Marriage Measure If Changes Are Approved

The Baltimore Sun reports that ahead of final deliberations about whether to legalize same sex marriage, a Baltimore County Democrat still weighing whether to vote for the plan has offered an amendment that he said would further protect religious groups. Delegate John A. Olszewski Jr. said Thursday that he believes his amendment makes the bill stronger. The House Judiciary Committee this afternoon debated whether to embrace Olszewski's amendment as "friendly," even as Republican committee members disputed the amendment. The amendment strikes language in the bill that spells out what religious programs, including counselling and summer camp is protected from having to provide services to same sex couples. By taking out those specifications, Olszewski believes, the overall religious protections would be stronger. The committee delayed making a decision until tomorrow morning, a mere 10 minutes before the marriage bill is scheduled to be presented on the House floor for a final vote. The 141-member House appears nearly evenly split on approval of the overall bill, meaning every delegate's vote carries extra significance. When asked whether he would support the marriage bill if his amendment is accepted, Olszewski said, "I can't say that at this point. I’m just trying to find a balance between equal rights for all citizens and protections for religion.” The Senate, which in February approved same sex marriage by a 25-21 vote, had signalled to the lower chamber that it did not want any amendments attached to the bill. But reached this evening, Senator Jamie Raskin (Democrat-Montgomery County), who led the Senate floor debate, said he believes the upper chamber "could play ball" if Olszewski's amendment "forwards the two values of the bill -- equal rights for all Maryland citizens and absolute religious freedom." Delegate Kathleen Dumais, the House floor leader for the bill, said in committee that she considers Olszewski's amendment "friendly." Delegate Michael D. Smigiel (Republican-Eastern Shore) said committee members should be clear about what is happening with Olszewski specifically that "A deal has been made that I'll give you my vote for this amendment."