Maryland is the latest state to celebrate a marriage-equality victory.
The Maryland Senate approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage Thursday night, sending the measure to the desk of Gov. Martin O’Malley, an ardent marriage-equality supporter who is expect to sign it shortly.
The Maryland House of Delegates narrowly approved the bill last week, marking the first time the lower chamber had passed the measure; it stalled in the House last session following Senate passage.
While marriage equality has achieved legislative approval, it likely will now also have to garner public approval, as opponents have vowed to put the issue to public referendum this fall.
Recent polling numbers have indicated that a slim majority of Marylanders support marriage equality.
Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, acknowledged that there “remains a lot of work to do between now and November to make marriage equality a reality in Maryland.”
“Along with coalition partners, we look forward to educating and engaging voters about what this bill does: It strengthens all Maryland families and protects religious liberty,” he said.
Activists will have until June 30 to collect 55,736 voter signatures in order for the marriage-equality question to be placed on the November ballot.
If successful, the law will be halted from going into effect pending the outcome of the referendum and would join another ballot measure that challenges a legislature-approved bill that allows state universities to charge illegal immigrants in-state tuition.
An amendment to ensure that referendum proceedings would stymie the implementation of the marriage-equality law was spearheaded by Del. Tiffany Alston, who, after approval of her amendment, switched her “no” vote to “yes.” Alston, who last session cosponsored but later voted against the marriage-equality bill, said she still opposes same-sex marriage but thinks the public should have its say on the issue.
Despite the uncertain future of the measure, James Esseks, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s LGBT Project, noted that Maryland is the third state this month — after New Jersey and Washington — to approve marriage equality, which he said represents “a significant sign that America has turned a corner in ensuring fairness and dignity for all families.”
“Marylanders should be proud that their state recognizes that no family should be denied the kind of protection that can only come with marriage,” Esseks said.