Posted on 02/25/2011 3:53:16 AM PST by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
The Maryland Senate on Thursday evening approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the state, sending the issue to the House of Delegates where a similar measure is scheduled for debate beginning Friday.
The Civil Marriage Protection Act cleared the Senate on a 25-21 vote after it was amended in recent days to provide additional protections to religious groups that oppose gay marriage to ensure they can’t be legally compelled to perform or take part in ceremonies or to recognize the unions.
The bill was passed one day after the Obama administration announced it had withdrawn its legal support for the federal Defense of Marriage Act — a significant victory for supporters of same-sex marriage. If passed by the House and signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley, the bill would include Maryland among the District of Columbia and five other states that have legalized gay marriage.
Supporters say they are confident the bill will pass the state’s Democrat-controlled House, and Mr. O'Malley, a Democrat, has also indicated his support.
The outcome of the Senate vote seemed a foregone conclusion. A majority had publicly stated before Thursday’s debate that they would vote in favor of the bill.
Senators on Wednesday advanced the measure to a final reading, allowing for further discussion but closing the bill to any further amendments. That left lawmakers much of Thursday’s session to discuss their opinions on the issue and the personal experiences that shaped those opinions.
“Without full and equal civil marriage, Maryland makes sure that thousands of its families never forget that they are outsiders, that they are not quite equal,” said Sen. Richard Madaleno Jr., Montgomery Democrat, who is openly gay. “That is what this moment is about today. It’s about embracing all the families of our state.”
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
Being a Massachusetts resident, I have always found it nearly impossible to imagine that there is a state that is bluer, and more liberal than Massachusetts.
However, to their shame and discredit, I do believe that the state of Maryland is running neck and neck.
Maryland is THE Freak state. Any state with hoyer, cummings, mikulski, van hollen and similar pin-heads as its elected “leaders” vies for some sort of ultimate “Looser State” award.
Maryland is THE Freak state. Any state with hoyer, cummings, mikulski, van hollen and similar pin-heads as its elected “leaders” vies for some sort of ultimate “Loser State” award.
Yep, then onto another tax increase.
And the rush toward total collapse continues to pick up speed. God help us.
Don’t forget where Pelosi came from....
You are cordially invited to attend the Gala WhiteHouse Wedding and events-date to be announced. AG Eric the Holder has allready sent Congress a prenup announcement The Amerikan Civil Union of Liars has announced for the bride
Barry Soetoro,The Prince of this world that old serpent Lucifer Father of the President will officiate. The Muslim Brotherhood and the Black Panthers have agreed to serve the groom,Eric the Holder; and the People from ACTUP, SIEU, and
various Union Bosses have pledge to serve as bridesmaids. the Presidents own Queen Berets will act as Jesters and Wait persons.the guests will be invited to the destruction of the Nations Cathedral ,the night will be lit as in days of old with burning Christians crucified for their unbelief in the new system.
these legislators are smoking dope if they thing they can protect freedom of religion to keep its beliefs regarding the deviancy of sodomy
marriage is not the goal, abolishing the right of any citizen to consider homsexuality or transgenderism as deviant is the goal= in fact, such thoughts will become criminalized as “hate speech” etc
and the end game is to be obtained by indoctrinating the children
Look at Massachusetts
I hope they realize this means sex education in grade schools is now going to include homosexual sex, there will be gay adoptions, pressure on religious groups to marry gays, and law suits law suits law suits.
617 Days until I get the HELL out of this communist swamp! It can’t come quick enough! Then back to Texas!
Democrats are literally embracing the homosexual agenda.
IOW “be a homosexual, vote Democrat.”
IOOW CPAC is officially dead.
How absolutely precious, really — NOT.
Perverts are not equal!!
Powers Boothe, however, is especially equal! AAAAA-HA-HA-HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!
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