Same-Sex Marriage Bill Stalls In House Committee
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)— Will a same-sex marriage bill survive in Annapolis? Lawmakers postponed a critical committee vote on the landmark legislation for the second day in a row.
Political reporter Pat Warren explains two of the bill's sponsors were holding out on their votes.
Members of the House Judiciary Committee didn't know what hit them.
"It's been kind of a whirlwind," said Curt Anderson. "It was yesterday we were supposed to vote and all of a sudden we were thrown into chaos and chaos hasn't cleared yet."
In business unusual for the House of Delegates, Maryland's same-sex marriage bill remains in jeopardy, with two hold-outs on the bill both of them sponsored.
Baltimore Del. Jill Carter dodged questions about whether she will vote for the bill. Prince George's County Del. Tiffany Alston gave a non-answer when cornered by reporters.
"No vote was called yesterday; when and if a vote is called I'm sure people will vote on this bill," Alston said.
Alston issued a written statement that she's not sure how she feels about the bill. Carter told reporters Tuesday that she's looking for assurances on school funding.
"I don't know what the end result is going to be, but I don't think they have the desire to take the vote and have the bill fail," Carter said.
There was no vote on the bill Wednesday, but plenty of action behind the scene.
"I think behind the scenes they're trying to make sure both delegates involved are satisfied their concerns have been met," Anderson said.
Committee members on the scene are caught up in the drama.
"We don't know what to expect; I don't think anybody does. Clearly the votes aren't there. If they were, we'd be called right in to vote," said Del. Don Dwyer.
It's not over yet.
"We're working on clearing the chaos," Anderson said.
Without the votes of all 12 of the bills sponsors, the bill will not pass out of committee.
The vote could happen Thursday.
