Md. Remains Divided On Same-Sex Marriage As Delegates Debate Issue In Annapolis
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Two committees in the Maryland House of Delegates are hearing arguments for and against Governor Martin O'Malley's bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the state.
Mike Hellgren has more on what people are saying about this hot-button issue.
WJZ got some opinions about an issue that has divided Maryland, and many believe this has become too politicized.
As politicians debated same-sex marriage in Annapolis, about an hour away in Baltimore, the topic sizzled like the grill at lunch.
Hellgren: "What do you think: For, against, indifferent?"
Baltimore Resident: "No opinion. It doesn't matter to me. To each his own."
"I think people should have the choice to do what they want to do," said another.
"Me personally, I would not vote for it."
"It's not hurting anybody, so why shouldn't they be able to do it?"
Recent polls show Maryland voters in a dead heat.
Some are fed up with the politics.
"Maybe the government ought to step back from all this stuff. Getting too involved in telling people what they can and what they can't do."
"They're looking at this matter as a possible vote-getter."
"Church and state is an important piece, but they are intertwined. They allowed themselves to get intertwined in this issue."
For some, it's about civil rights, for others religion. For all, it's the talk of the town.
"Gay marriage is out the question as far as me."
Hellgren: "Why are you for it?"
"Everyone's a human being. Everyone has their rights."
Hellgren: "Why don't you like it?"
"God didn't create us to be like that."
"I think it's something that should be voiced. I think people are living in fear of their life. I think they should be able to say, 'Yes, I do.'"
There are developments in this issue. Across the country in Washington state lawmakers passed same-sex marriage. They are debating it right now in New Jersey and it could soon reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
Same-sex marriage is currently legal in six states and Washington, D.C.
