Tag Archives: Maryland

People For The American Way reports that Maryland state Sen. Anthony Muse, one of NOM’s allies in the battle to repeal marriage equality, has published the above sample ballot in his bid to move up the to U.S. Senate. PFAW writes: Muse, an African American minister in the Washington suburbs, is challenging Sen. Ben Cardin in a Democratic primary election …

Hate groups yesterday began gathering the petition signatures to place a repeal of Maryland’s same-sex marriage law on the November ballot. Maryland Marriage Alliance officials announced Wednesday that they have launched the petition drive to collect the nearly 56,000 signatures needed to bring the law to referendum on the November ballot. The group, which is leading the referendum effort, is …

The Catholic priest who refused communion to a lesbian at her mother’s funeral has been suspended by the his diocese. But according to a spokesperson, the suspension is not directly related to the communion controversy. Specific details about why the Rev. Marcel Guarnizo was barred from ministry – a severe penalty – were not immediately available. The Post learned of …

“Maryland voters, not politicians, have the final say on marriage. The Maryland same-sex marriage legislation is a meaningless, symbolic act. The people of Maryland, not politicians, will have the final say on marriage. And they will overturn this act of the General Assembly.” – NOM president Brian Brownshirt on yesterday’s signing of Maryland’s marriage equality bill.

Brian Brownshirt writes: NOM is a member of the Maryland Marriage Alliance, the official committee that has already begun the effort to collect signatures to put the bill on the ballot this November. But time is short—we have just three months to collect 56,000 valid signatures needed to qualify the referendum for the statewide ballot. Over the next three months, …

Newt Gingrich allows that while gay marriage is still of the devil, at least Washington and Maryland did it democratically, rather than by out of control activist judges. “I think at least they’re doing it the right way, which is going through voters, giving them a chance to vote and not having a handful of judges arbitrarily impose their will,” …

Right Wing Watch reports that the Family Research Council is furious with Dick Cheney because he supported marriage equality in Maryland. Consider this thought experiment. Twin brothers announced on a TV talk show that they were gay. Under the laws proposed, can they marry? If not, why not? They’ve certainly had a “committed relationship” since before they were born. What …

“Now, Maryland’s politicians unconscionably have chosen political expediency over the good of society–the fundamental charge of their office–by daring to redefine this sacred union between one man and one woman. Their action poses a grave threat to the future stability of the nuclear family and the society it anchors. The Archdiocese will continue to advocate for the preservation of both …

“I’d like to thank Senate President Miller for his leadership and our legislators in the Senate for their hard work and their vote today for human dignity. All children deserve the opportunity to live in a loving, caring, committed, and stable home, protected equally under the law. The common thread running through our efforts together in Maryland is the thread …

National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Maryland and marriage equality will certainly make a lovely couple. Maryland is the Free State, after all. To be able to share and celebrate one’s love and commitment both publicly and legally is a lifelong dream for thousands of same-sex couples and their families. It’s thrilling that Maryland is poised to make this a …

By the expected margin of 25-22, the Maryland Senate has PASSED its marriage equality bill. Gov. Martin O’Malley has pledged to make Maryland the EIGHTH state with same-sex marriage. Reactions to follow shortly in a new post. LAST FRIDAY: Maryland House passes marriage bill. EARLIER TODAY: Things are underway. This is the third and final reading/debate of the bill and …

I’ll post an live stream when it’s ready. After a request by Republicans to delay the measure, discussion is expected to begin Thursday morning. Debate comes less than a week after the House of Delegates barely passed the bill. Last year, the Senate passed a similar proposal 25-21 and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller said the vote is not …

By a vote of 7-4 Maryland’s Senate Judiciary Committee just passed its marriage equality bill. The bill passed in the Maryland House last Friday. RELATED: Maryland Del. Sam Arora campaigned for office on his pledge to support marriage equality and even cosponsored the failed 2011 bill. Moments after he voted against the bill on Friday, his senior adviser quit on …

“What is it about Baltimore County councilmember Tom Quirk? He sponsors a ‘gender identity’ bill to legalize transvestite behavior with the result that cross-dressing men will be able to enter the ladies’ room. Then he fails to understand how this could be a problem. Quirk also claims he doesn’t want discrimination against transgenders. Then he wouldn’t want discrimination against anyone …

The Maryland House of Delegates has passed its marriage equality bill by a vote of 71-67. The bill now goes to the state Senate. Gov. Martin O’Malley has pledged to sign the bill should it reach his desk. EARLIER: The chamber has reconvened and the feed is live now.EARLIER: Here we go again. Listen live here. Things are supposed to …

UPDATE: Well, bother. The chair gaveled in the proceedings just long enough to delay the vote until tomorrow morning. False alarm, everybody. Now we get to worry about what evil amendments will be pitched during tomorrow morning’s committee meetings.EARLIER: It’s a busy day for equality. At any moment from this writing the Maryland House of Delgates is set to vote …

The bill had to survive the usual bullshit poison pill amendments from the GOP, including one that would require parental consent before teachers could mention “non-traditional” families. The full chamber will debate and vote later this week. And if you’re counting, that’s THREE big honking wins for the good guys this week. And it’s only Tuesday.