Maryland Marriage Equality: House Of Delegates Passes Bill In Favor Of Same-Sex Marriage

WASHINGTON – The Maryland General Assembly approved legislation legalizing marriage equality on Friday, with Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) calling it a vote for “human dignity.”

“The common thread running through our efforts together in Maryland is the thread of human dignity; the dignity of work, the dignity of faith, the dignity of family, the dignity of every individual. Love is an unalienable right,” the governor said in a statement.

The Civil Marriage Protection Act of 2012 passed by72-67, just one more than the minimum number of votes needed for approval.

“We could not be more grateful to the delegates who today voted to make all Maryland families stronger,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, which was deeply involved in the Maryland fight. “Today, we took a giant step toward marriage equality becoming law – and we are in this position due to the unwavering leadership and resolve of Governor O'Malley, Speaker Busch and our legislative allies.”