Governor Signed Same-sex Marriage Legislation in Maryland

Governor Martin O’Malley signed legislation allowing same-sex marriage in Maryland on Thursday. O’Malley signed the legislation because he feels, “the way forward is always found through greater respect for the equal rights of all.”

Maryland is now the eighth state to allow same-sex marriage. The Maryland House of Delegates approved the legislation signed by O’Malley and it will take effect in the summer if it is not brought down by a likely court challenge prior to that.

New Jersey lawmakers approved same-sex marriage this month as well, but the Governor there did not approve the legislation because he thinks that voters should determine the issue in a statewide referendum.

In November, Minnesota and North Carolina voters will decide on proposals banning gay marriage. New Hampshire lawmakers will also consider repealing its same-sex marriage law. In Maine, voters previously overturned a 2009 law that authorized gay marriage and efforts are underway to try and put a proposal to legalize it again on the ballot in November. In California, a federal appeals court just ruled proposition 8, which banned gay marriage, as unconstitutional, and the case is likely headed to the U.S. Supreme Court for a final determination.

See Maryland Governor Signs Same-sex Marriage Bill, CNN U.S., Mar. 1, 2012.