Md. Judge Strikes Down Gay-Marriage Ban

WCBSTV ^

[Sub-Driver]

Md. Judge Strikes Down Gay-Marriage Ban

(AP) BALTIMORE A judge on Friday struck down a 33-year-old Maryland law against same-sex marriage, agreeing with 19 gay men and women that it violates the state constitution's guarantee of equal rights.

The ruling by Judge M. Brooke Murdock rejected a state argument that the government had a legitimate interest in protecting the traditional family unit of heterosexual parents.

"Although tradition and societal values are important, they cannot be given so much weight that they alone will justify a discriminatory" law, she wrote.

The judge immediately stayed her order to give the state time to file an expected appeal in Maryland's highest court, the Court of Appeals.

"This is such an exciting moment," said Lisa Polyak, a plaintiff with partner Gita Deane.

"Our participation in this lawsuit has always been about family protections for our children. Tonight, we will rest a little easier knowing that those protections are within reach," Polyak said.

Gov. Robert Ehrlich's lawyers were reviewing the ruling, his spokesman Henry Fawell said. The Republican governor has said he believes marriage should be between one man and one woman.

[RexBeach]

The slippery slide into Hell continues for Anerica.

Next? I'm afraid to think of it.

[Habble Gabble]

Oh Great. Thats ALL we need.

[RebelBanker]

First the WalMart bill, then the minimum wage, now this?!?!

Can this state POSSIBLY get any more fouled up?

[End Times Sentinel]

Hey homos, I've got an idea, why don'cha just get a law passed that redefines marriage?  What's that?  Oh, that's right, you CAN'T because almost no one supports your perverted life styles!

Owl_Eagle

(If what I just wrote makes you sad or angry,

 it was probably sarcasm)

[Tijeras_Slim]

The libs have picked their hill to die on. The more this gets shoved in folks faces by judges, the more likely a major backlash is.

[ladtx]

Glad I don't live in Maryland where judges can declare themselves Emperor and hand down edicts to the peasants.

[msnimje]

It is time to audit these judges to see what kind of contributions they are getting from lobbying groups.

[IranIsNext]

"Although tradition and societal values are important, they cannot be given so much weight that they alone will justify a discriminatory" law, she wrote"

Then I guess you have to strike down laws against adults marrying 13 year olds. After all, it is their "preference" and we cannot discriminate against them as a group.

I love how "discrimination" has become such a naughty word. Never mind that if we did not discriminate we would just as well drink bleach as we would drink Orange Juice.

[Puppage]

A judge on Friday struck down a 33-year-old Maryland law against same-sex marriage

How can these activist judges get away with legislating from the bench???

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

I guess precedent doesn't count if it was established by we the people. It only counts if it is established by a liberal judical ruling. Note the term "liberal," so all conservative precedents can be overturned.

[IranIsNext]

What an excellent call judge! I am sure the writers of all the state constitutions had this in mind when they wrote them up and consequently crafted amendments throughout the years. Of course why they kept silent about these "rights" being violated all these years is a mystery, but don't let common sense get in your way.

[NRA1995]

I guess that'll give new meaning to Maryland's Sugarloaf Mountain, located near Poolesville....

[bigsigh]

Queers want to marry. The sky must be falling, still.

[conserv13]

The slippery slide into Hell continues for America.

Who cares? Let them get married if they want to.

[cvq3842]

The world would be an easier place to live in if everyone were as smart as I am. (said tongue-in-cheek) The issue with marriage is not straight and gay but man and women. They are equal. They are not identical. they're a matched set!!! Please tell me the logic that allows a judge to compel "gay marriage" and yet keep bathrooms and locker rooms "segregated." Or that allows gays in the military and still allows single-sex barracks.

[cvq3842]

To say a person was "discriminating" used to be a compliment, as in "discriminating" (i.e., refined) taste.

"Indiscriminate" used to be an inuslt. As in "indicsriminate" choice of sexual partners. Oops . . .

[Rapscallion]

Defense of self and family becomes an all-important value as America allows its own destruction.

The judge should be removed.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

And furthermore...there is nothing discriminatory in recognizing reality: we are all here because of hetersexuality, and our future is also tied 100% to heterosexuality.

Biggest legal con: homosexuality is all about privacy.