Marriage Equality Supporters Rally In Annapolis
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)-- Supporters of same-sex marriage flooded Annapolis, hoping to sway undecided delegates.
Meghan McCorkell has more on this season's hot button issue.
Governor Martin O'Malley says he is still a few votes short of legalizing gay marriage. Now supporters are making a stand in Annapolis.
They're sending a message to lawmakers. Hundreds of same-sex marriage supporters gathered in Annapolis and they had the backing of a powerful ally.
"Look, we are very, very close but we are not done. We need your help. We need you to keep pushing," said Governor Martin O'Malley.
Fifteen thousand postcards will be delivered to members of the General Assembly, pushing them to support marriage equality.
"It's a personal thing for so many Marylanders. It would mean so much," said Woody Brosnan.
"I would really like to have a big ceremony but I am not going to spend the money here in this state until they are willing to accept me as I am for my marriage," said Chris Riley.
Monday night's rally follows a marathon House hearing. Last Friday, supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage testified for 10.5 hours.
"A vote for redefining marriage, I believe, is a vote against religion," said Carl Crank.
"Adam and Eve, yes. Adam and Steve, no," chanted opponents.
Two weeks ago, opponents of same-sex marriage held their own rally in the state capital.
"God bless a marriage between one man and one woman," said an opponent.
It's an issue dividing the state. Just last year, the Senate passed same-sex marriage but it failed in the House of Delegates.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," said a supporter.
Supporters here just hope they have the votes this year.
The governor says getting more Republican votes in the House of Delegates will be key to passing the Marriage Equality bill.
Monday, the governor of Washington state signed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage. Washington is the seventh state to do so.
