Gov. O'Malley Hoping Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passes
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Gov. Martin O'Malley says he hopes lawmakers pass a bill legalizing gay marriage.
O'Malley says he hopes lawmakers are able to resolve the issue, so he can sign the measure into law. The House of Delegates was debating the bill Friday.
O'Malley also says if the bill passes, he believes the issue will be petitioned to referendum for Maryland voters to decide on the November 2012 ballot.
Earlier in the day, a Maryland House committee did not take action on a proposed amendment to same-sex marriage legislation, and the unaltered bill was being considered for a final vote on the House floor.
If the law is approved, Maryland would become the sixth state to legalize gay marriage.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
