The
Maryland Senate gave final approval to a marriage equality bill last week, bringing Maryland closer to joining seven other states and the
District of Columbia in allowing same-sex couples to marry.
In his
speech on the Senate floor, openly gay State Sen. Richard Madaleno
explained the value of the legislation to him and his family, saying, "It is the marriage license that symbolizes the commitment. It makes it
worthwhile. I want that marriage license in the state of Maryland."
The
victory for LGBT advocates could be tested by a statewide referendum on
the issue this November; if voters approve the legislation, couples
could begin marrying in January. Gov. Martin O'Malley, who strongly
supported the bill, said he will campaign hard to retain the law if
opponents are able to gather the signatures required to put the issue on
the ballot.