Maryland's Senate passed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage Feb. 24. The vote was 25-21.
"This is a historic and proud moment in Maryland's history," said lead sponsor Sen. Rob Garagiola. "I am ... confident that the Free State will realize full marriage equality in 2011."
The bill now goes to the House of Delegates, where the vote could be close.
Gov. Martin O'Malley has vowed to sign the bill if it arrives on his desk.
Maryland has a law similar to the one that was used in Maine to overturn the Legislature's legalization of same-sex marriage there in 2009.
If enough voter signatures are collected, a recently passed law can be subjected to a voter referendum and canceled out. The earliest that such a measure could appear on the ballot in Maryland is November 2012.
Same-sex marriage is legal in five states -- Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont -- and Washington, D.C.
Internationally, it is legal in Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and Mexico ( where same-sex marriages are allowed only in the capital city but are recognized nationwide ) .
FROM A PRESS RELEASE
ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Maryland Senate voted 25-21 on Feb. 24 to pass SB 116, the Civil Marriage Protection Act, legislation that would end the exclusion of gay and lesbian couples from marriage in Maryland. Equality Maryland, along with members of the Senate and everyday Marylanders who believe in fairness, celebrate this victory and acknowledge the work ahead to make marriage equality a reality.
Senator Rob Garagiola ( D-15 ) , Lead Sponsor
"This is a historic and proud moment in Maryland's history. The advocates for this legislation have worked tirelessly to this point and will continue to push through the final stages of this movement. I am honored to be a part of this effort and am confident that the Free State will realize full marriage equality in 2011."
Senator Rich Madaleno, ( D-18 ) , Lead Sponsor
"The Maryland Senate's vote today passing the Civil Marriage Protection Act is a reflection of the values we share as Marylanders and Americans. It demonstrates our commitment to civil rights and equality for all. The House of Delegates should act swiftly to provide loving families across our state with dignity and the respect we deserve."
Senator Jamie Raskin ( D-20 ) , Lead Sponsor
"What a great day for freedom in the Free State. By establishing the right of all Marylanders to marry and the right of all Maryland churches to make their own decision about marriage, we have vindicated the principles of equality and toleration that go back to our Toleration Act of 1649. Our state led the way in showing how people of different values and creeds can live together peacefully. We have lived up to that tradition this week."
Morgan Meneses-Sheets, Executive Director of Equality Maryland
"Today we thank Senators Garagiola, Madaleno, and Raskin for their tremendous leadership. We are proud of all the 25 senators who stood up for the fairness today and voted to support SB 116. We also thank the thousands of Marylanders who have not only worked tirelessly, but also opened their hearts to share their stories and their experiences with their senators to explain why marriage matters.
The majority of folks in the Free State support the freedom to marry. Today our State Senate proved they also stand for fairness for all Maryland's families. Marriage and family are about love and commitment, and we are committed to helping pass marriage equality. Today we celebrate - tomorrow we focus our attention on the House hearing on HB 175."
Senators voting yes:
Sen. James Brochin, Baltimore County Democrat
Sen. Joan Carter Conway, Baltimore Democrat
Sen. Bill Ferguson, Baltimore Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Jennie Forehand, Montgomery County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Brian Frosh, Montgomery County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Rob Garagiola, Montgomery County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Lisa Gladden, Baltimore Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Verna Jones, Baltimore Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Edward Kasemeyer, Baltimore and Howard counties Democrat
Sen. Delores Kelley, Baltimore County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Nancy King, Montgomery County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Allan H. Kittleman, Howard County Republican
Sen. Katherine Klausmeier, Baltimore County Democrat
Sen. Richard Madaleno, Montgomery County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Roger Manno, Montgomery County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Nathaniel McFadden, Baltimore Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Karen Montgomery, Montgomery County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Paul Pinsky, Prince George's County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Catherine E. Pugh, Baltimore Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Victor Ramirez, Prince George's County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Jamie Raskin, Montgomery County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. James Robey, Howard County Democrat
Sen. James Rosapepe, Prince George's County Democrat
Sen. Ronald Young, Frederick County Democrat ( sponsor )
Sen. Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore County Democrat ( sponsor )
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Equality Maryland is Maryland's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT ) civil rights group, with thousands of members across the entire state. Equality Maryland includes: a 501 ( c ) ( 4 ) advocacy organization that lobbies in Annapolis and across the state to create equal protection under the law for LGBT Marylanders and their families; a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) educational foundation that works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity through outreach, education, research, community organizing, training and coalition building; and Equality Maryland PAC, which exists to influence elections. For more information, visit www.EqualityMaryland.org .
