Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage In Md. Could Be In Hands Of Voters
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)--The General Assembly could take the issue of gay marriage a step further this year than it has in the past. There are two bills proposed in the Maryland Senate.
Political reporter Pat Warren has more from Annapolis.
What's different about the same-sex debate in Annapolis this session is that the whole matter could be turned over to you, the voters.
Each year, Dena Dean not only watches but participates as Maryland's General Assembly debates gay marriage. This year— with bills expected to legalize same-sex marriage and to recognize civil unions— Attorney General Doug Gansler expects one or the other to win approval.
"There's a national movement toward it," Gansler said. "More people in Maryland now favor it than are against it."
Proponents believe they've gained votes on the Senate Judicial Committee meeting.
Opponents look past that to the ballot.
"The people will take it. In other words, if a bill is passed in the General Assembly, the people can petition the bill in referendum, and I'm definitely sure that will happen," said Del. Patrick McDonough.
Some voters say they're ready to take that on.
"I think it's maybe better left in the hands of the people," said one voter.
"Any issue we should be allowed to vote on," said another.
Gita Deane and her family have reservations about that.
"I really feel like the civil rights of any minority should never be voted on by a majority," said Deane, a gay marriage advocate. "I believe that civil rights and civil protections for families should be either done through the legislature or the judiciary, but they should not be up for a popular vote."
The outcome of bills on same-sex marriage in both the House and Senate are right now too close to call.
The earliest the issue could appear on the ballot would be the 2012 presidential election.
