N.Y. Decision To Legalize Same Sex Marriage Draws Attention To Md. Debate
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The New York legislature's decision to legalize same sex marriage draws attention to the debate in Maryland.
Political reporter Pat Warren has reaction from both sides.
Same sex couples in Maryland now marry in other states. John Paul and Darren Vance chose the district.
"When we found out this was going to happen in the district we obviously decided to do it here," they said.
The governor of New York leads state lawmakers to approve same sex marriage and Maryland supporters take heart.
"I think all elected officials could take a page from Governor Cuomo's book," said one woman.
Maryland lawmakers broke new ground this year when a bill legalizing same sex marriage passed the Senate and made it to the floor of the House. The bill died on the floor.
Delegate Emmit Burns is a pastor at the heart of resistance to same marriage.
"I suspect this year the governor and everybody will pull out all the stops as Cuomo did in New York and we are in their sights, we are targeted, we are the bulls-eye," he said. "We will resist it with every ounce of power we have."
Advocates don't intend to let up either.
"Will we live to fight another day? In 2012 and 2013 and 2014 we will be back until our families get legal equality," said one supporter.
The politicking could start as early as October when the General Assembly meets in special session.
Same sex marriage supporters would like to see a marriage bill sponsored by the governor.
Governor O'Malley supported this year's same sex marriage bill.
