The lawsuit argued that the denial of marriage licenses to same-sex couples was a violation of Maryland’s Constitution. In 2007, Maryland’s highest court disagreed with this argument and forced the issue to be fought on the legislative front. In 2008, the first bill to expand access to marriage to include same-sex couples was introduced in the General Assembly. The lead Senate sponsor, Gwendolyn Britt, unexpectedly died days before the session began. Several of her colleagues signed on as co-sponsors to honor her memory. Since that time, support for the bill has increased—both among legislators and the general public. In 2011, the bill passed the Senate.
This year the effort to pass the bill has been greatly enhanced. Our Governor, Martin O’Malley, has made this measure one of his priorities. With his strong commitment to all Maryland families, people are taking notice. Additionally, in July 2011, several organizations came together to form Marylanders for Marriage Equality. Organizations like the NAACP-Baltimore, the ACLU of Maryland, Human Rights Campaign, SEIU-1199, Progressive Maryland, and Equality Maryland have joined forces to coordinate our efforts to pass the bill. The coalition approach is a win-win. For a small statewide organization like Equality Maryland, having these partners has been very helpful. We are able to share and expand the work it takes to pass this significant legislation. To work alongside the staff of these organizations is invigorating and inspiring. Our common goal of achieving marriage equality in Maryland keeps us unified and focused.
Marylanders for Marriage Equality has been able to achieve so much more than any single organization could. We have been able to produce powerful videos featuring Marylanders (and people with Maryland connections) speaking up for equality. We have dispatched field staff across the state to knock on doors and organize phone banks in key districts, and we are working to make our Lobby Day in Annapolis on February 13th the biggest yet! When we pass marriage equality on 2012 it will be a collective victory for every coalition member and for the families of Maryland. To find out more about our coalition and view the fantastic videos in support of marriage equality visit www.marylandersformarriageequality.org
Carrie Evans
Executive Director
Equality Maryland
www.eqmd.org
