Washington Post: Maryland Senate Likely to Aprrove Gay Marriage

While I don't like to count chickens before they hatch - or in this case, until a vote has actually been taken - the Washington Post is reporting that a majority of members of the Maryland Senate have indicated that they will vote for passage of same sex marriage legislation now pending in that chamber. If Maryland grants marriage equality to all of its citizens, it will underscore the dichotomy between reactionary Virginia on the south side of the Potomac and progressive Maryland and Maryland to the north. It will also up the ante in the recruitment of progressive businesses which will find it more difficult to convince LGBT and LGBT friendly employees to want to take jobs in Virginia where the Christianists and Virginia Republicans want to take the state back to the 1950's or earlier in time. It may also accelerate the "brain drain" being experienced by Hampton Roads and southwestern Virginia where college graduates increasingly do not return home after college. Bigotry and backwardness carry a real price. Not surprisingly, the child rapist protecting Catholic Church is against the marriage legislation. Here are highlights from the Post story:

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A majority of Maryland's state senators have said publicly that they will vote to legalize same-sex marriages, greatly increasing the odds that the highest-profile social legislation being considered by the General Assembly will pass in coming weeks.

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In interviews Monday, two more senators said they intended to vote for the bill, increasing the number who have made such commitments to 24 - the bare majority needed for passage in the 47-member Senate - according to an ongoing Washington Post tally.

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If the bill clears the Senate, it would move to the House - traditionally the more liberal of the two chambers on social policy. Sponsors say they are confident they can secure a majority there. Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has said he would sign the bill. Maryland would join five other states and the District in allowing same-sex marriages.

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The Post's tally is not a guarantee of the bill's passage when it reaches the Senate floor, probably next week. Several senators, including Klausmeier, have publicly agonized over their positions in recent days. Opponents also have threatened a filibuster in an attempt to kill the legislation.

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The General Assembly may not have the final word on the issue: If the bill passes, opponents of the legislation have said they would take advantage of a provision in Maryland law that allows citizens to petition approved legislation to the ballot. If successful, that would put the law on hold pending a statewide vote in November 2012.