House Of Delegates Committee Debates Gay Marriage
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)—The showdown over a same-sex marriage law is heightening in Annapolis. A key House of Delegates committee is hearing testimony on the bill that passed the Senate.
Political reporter Pat Warren explains emotions are running high.
It's a repeat of information from the Senate process, but the passion here is higher.
"Let's be perfectly clear, I do not hate homosexuals. They are created in God's image and should be loved like any other individuals, but don't ask us to legalize same-sex marriage. We're simply not going to do it," said Don Dwyer, (R) Anne Arundel.
Vocal opponents are met with equally vocal and determined lawmakers who take the issue very personally.
"I am an openly gay member of the Maryland House of Delegates," said Maggie MacIntosh, (D) Baltimore.
"I would like to recognize my spouse Debra Mizeur. Deb is with me today because this debate is not about abstractions," said Heather Mizeur, (D) Montgomery County
The House Judiciary Committee hearing is where the vote will be taken to send the same-sex marriage bill to the floor for debate that combines politics, religion and love.
"There is a same-sex couple across the way who are just waiting for what Maureen and I have, and frankly Maureen and I are waiting for the same opportunity for them," said Del. Kumar Barve, (D) Montgomery.
The hearing and the subsequent debate in the committee room may go one for quite a while, but by the last count, it appears that there are enough votes on the committee for the bill to pass.
The committee could vote on Tuesday.
