In a letter to the Governor, Archbishop Edwin O’Brien, chairman of the Maryland Catholic Conference, joined many others in our state in urging the Governor not to take this step, which we believe so clearly conflicts with the best interests of our society. We continue to urge members of the Maryland General Assembly not to allow this issue to be driven by partisan politics, and to give full and fair consideration to the legitimate reasons why our state should maintain its recognition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The moral and social impacts of redefining marriage would be pervasive and severe. Stripping marriage of its unique connection to parenthood disregards the reasons why government has always elevated marriage over all other relationships as the fundamental building block of society. Treating heterosexual and same-sex relationships differently is not unjust discrimination. Upholding the truth of marriage furthers the rights and equal dignity of all human persons by promoting a social fabric where children can benefit from the unique gifts of a mother and a father.

Life's too short. If it makes them happy then let them do it.

I used to see OweMalley at Mass when I worked in the city looking very devout and pious. I wonder how he rationalizes this decision since it goes so against his faith? I guess it's just for the votes.

Your personal, religious beliefs really have no bearing on other people's civil rights. I could care less what the Archbishop says. To me, he is just a man in a funny costume. Last time I checked, we were not all Catholic. Get over your moral superiority complex.

the whole state has spiraled out of control. as always everyone follows everyone else. people are to scared to voice how the really feel in fear. our world is nothing but followers. greed. anger. and vanity.

First he wants to send Illegals to school on money this state doesn't have now because NY passes a law he wants to play follow the leader ..Hey watch out you don't off a bridge next.
This Governor is clueless and I for one didn't vote for him.

Progress.

I did not vote for him, but I support him on this subject. We all grow in wisdom. I am not sure I am correct. And I believe this new idea, is fair to those that want to create a union based on love. The divorce rate is high, so the only man and women idea is not always working. Some one sex unions have outlasted, the tradiional.

This is a wonderfuland and brave gesture of civic mindedness: respecting religious freedom and securing equal treatment under the law. Yes indeed.

A comment left by user "Ezekel" on Friday at 8:13 p.m. has been deleted because it violated Patch's terms of use. The terms can be found here: http://timonium.patch.com/terms

It is a sad day in Maryland when our Governor and legislators dare to call it "dignity" to recognize gay marriage when God calls the act an abomination (disgusting). Would to God more people in this nation would stand up for the Word of God and not yield to the pressures of groups who love to promote and "equalize" marriage of gay partners..which is "not" a real marriage, but, a farce..

Live and let Live .

The government should stay out of the institution of marriage as it is a religious union between a man and woman, with procreation at its core. I disagree with the argument that gay men and women should be able to get married because it is their right and it makes them happy -- what if we let child molesters do what makes them happy? Would that be right?

I guess he doesn't see anything wrong with a man fornicating with another man's rectum. If this is progress then I guess its time for me to move to a less "progressive" state. The taxes are growing out of control here anyway thanks to the liberal "spend without thought" policy.

I completely agree with O'Malley on this one. I dont care if the church goers say this is wrong it goes against gods will. I would vote for this bill until the day I die. You show me die hard physical proof that god exists and ill vote it down.

talk about this when you check out my site www.OhMaryland.weebly.com!

sounds like some one will be checking in hell hotel when he dies.

What a goofball! He's either eyeing up 1600 Pensylvania Avenue in 2016 or, Mikulski's seat in the U.S. Senate when she retires.,,,,,,,like we really need another one with Obama's Socialist ideals being forced upon us! Enough is enough!

I'm sorry. I love how "christians" believe that Jesus would not be for this bill. Jesus was about love and compassion for fellow man....not jingoistic bigotry and hatred. God loves me. And I love another man. Get over it. We don't want to get married in some republican trailer park anyway...don't worry.

People seem so angry.

Don't be angry. If you're against same sex marriages for religious purpose that is your God given right, and in holding this position you should encourage your church not to recognize the marriages...I wouldn't even be against that, because, again, it is your right. But to say that the government should not allow two consenting adults be legally recognized as a married couple is definitely a denial of civil rights. In terms of social justice, I do believe this is a step in the right direction. For those that support same sex marriages, do not get discouraged by those who are against you. A good section of this country was against desegregation and the abolishment of slavery...but in the end justice prevailed. For the "Christians" that chastise and condemn these people, I would like to see some New Testament scriptural defense in opposition to same sex marriages. Try to stay away from the St.Paul letters, St.Paul changed his mind like a teenagers change their facebook relationship statuses.

I see Owe'Malley has his priorities straight. Let's worry about Gay Marriage instead of finding ways to create jobs for all those unemployed! Brilliant! Politics at it's best!

Can we possibly approach the current situation in Maryland as more than political issues - except that it really is beginning to look like O'Malley does have a questionnable agenda. He and his allies have been busy this week. One ally has two problems. Beverley K. Swain-Staley is the appointee as Secretary of Transportation, did not need legislative approval, and heads an agency with a budget of 3.8 BILLION dollars. Earlier, the auditors for SHA, part of DOT, turned over the failed audit to the Attorney General - fraud in millions of dollars in awarding highway contracts. (This woman couldn't get a job in Baltimore County and was fired by a Democrat in Montgomery County. She will decide the Hatem Bridge tolls.) Then yesterday O'Malley appoiinted Marcus Brown, another ally, to head the state police. This is the Marcus Brown who has been the head of the MDAT pollice. He was with the governor in Baltimore, and left there in a scandal. They arranged for him to get full retirement without the benefit of fulfiling the length of time for a pension. His boss has been Beverley K. Swain-Staley. In an earlier post I stated that I had heard that the status of the MDAT police - those 'cops' who crowd Rt. 40 - would be enhanced. I guess the governor and Beverley couldn't find a state police captain, or any other well trained policeman, in Maryland who qualfied under their 'standards'. (see next post)

Thanks, Gov. O'Malley! You a courageous Governor, and it's why we elected you in a landslide! Thank God! Cheers!

Continued - The timing of this announcement, when two scandalous issues are on the governors table, is highly questionnable, and one could reasonably wonder if this is either a diversion, or an effort at a division. The issue is one that deserves serious discussion not tainted by politics. Before I am accused of heaven knows what let me say that a come from a family of serious Democrats. I just believe that this is still a government of people power where ethics are primary. From what has come out of the governors office this week, there are a lot of questions to ask, and have answered. And the govrernors political ambitions, and the ambitions of his cronies, should not decide important moral issues.

In the last 2.8 years we've seen "LIBERAL AGENDA'S" forced on us and Citizens need to draw the line somewhere because WE HAVE RIGHTS TOO. Maybe it's time to change our players and demand a TRUE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE. Our "Elected Leaders" have turned away from Moral Fabric, Constitutional rights, Patriotism, and the people they allegedly represent. Instead of hearing us, "they do as they see fit regardless of what we little people think, “THEY PLACE PARTY POLITICS FIRST". Well, how do you like being FORCED INTO COMPLIANCE by those ELECTED TO REPRESENT us? Are you enjoying your HOPE AND CHANGE? Unemployment is high and Homeless shelters are busting at the seams as whole families live in tents "DO YOU THINK THEY CARE ABOUT GAY MARRIAGE"? THEY'RE IN THE HEAT, LIVING DAY TO DAY WHILE GAY MARRIAGE GETS O’MALLEY’S TOP PRIORITY. We were founded so people CAN MARRY WHO THEY WISH, WORSHIP HOW THEY WANT, LIVE WITHOUT FEAR OF TAX (ELECTED LEADERS) / OPPRESSION. We're here because our founders wanted freedom bad enough to drop everything and sail into the unknown. Maryland’s unfriendly to businesses and they leave us in droves, Communities cry for REAL leadership and "ELECTED SERVANTS" head to Annapolis to worry about issues that cause divisions in society instead of FIXING THE MESSES THEY MADE. We keep voting the same people into office, "look where it's gotten us today". Who cares if Gays get married, we live our way, they live theirs WITHOUT FORCING IT ON US!

I think some people forget that not everyone is the same religion, you cant make laws because one group (religious or other) believes it is wrong. There was a group of people that thought black Americans shouldn't have the same rights as white Americans but thankfully someone had the nerve to stand up and say that discriminating against one group of people just isn't right.. All human beings should have the same civil rights, black, white, straight or gay, etc we are all humans and citizens of this great country. If your religion says its a sin then don't marry someone of the same sex. Adultery is also a sin but as far as I know cheating on your wife/husband isn't against the law and I haven't received the petition yet to make it that way. Honor thy father and mother, also a commandment but I don't see the police arresting disobedient children. If your religion follows certain rules then follow them but don't expect everyone else to have to follow them as well. I believe God loves EVERYONE he told us that... "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

Just want to be clear on my stance....when the state recognizes marriage to anyone...that is a civil right...the church will not recognize these marriages...I will not step on anyones civil rights by using religion belief etc.

What do you mean THE church? Plenty of religions allow same sex marriage.

I hate the term "religious"...it doesn't speak to the Christians who walk by faith according to God's word. It refers to those who play "Christian." God says that you'll know a Christian "by their fruit". Many claim to be Christian, but are so, in name only, not by thought or deed. So name calling, judgement passing and anger is not appropriate here. .As a born-again Christian, I do not call myself "religious" and do not have a "religion". I am a follower of Jesus Christ and have a relationship with Him....just sayin'.

As far as gay rights go, I do think that issues such as the economy, the unemployment rate and the ever-increasing Maryland tax rate deserves more focus from Governor O'Malley and this is just an observation, not a judgement: I have to wonder if he's just jumping on the popular social bandwagon that Governor Cuomo of New York is riding high on, while setting his sights on Senator Milkulski's Senate seat down the road. Seems pretty transparent, to me....but maybe not. ; )

Here here! The right to marry is Civil and has nothing to do with Religion unless you choose to have YOUR RELIGION OFFICIATE UNDER "YOUR" GOD. Who cares if you want to marry "What does it have to do with your relationship and your God". My point is much deeper into the Political Agendas we have infiltrating our rights. We have ELECTED SERVANTS using "Agendas" as tools to GET VOTES. What about the rights of those people living in boxes and tents? What about the entire families forced out of their homes because the Political Machine made deals in OUR NAME (THE VOTERS). Jobs have been lost because they place harsh restrictions on businesses in Maryland until they turn tail and RUN! We need to be who we were before PROUD AND FREE AMERICANS! Lets send CLEAR MESSAGES TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THIS STATE. LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET OUT OF THE WAY! Enough of DEALS AND MANIPULATION so you look good on election day. Americans have grown over the last 2.5 years "Hope and Change"..........Well, where is it?

I think there is serious political motivation behind this. We have bigger fish to fry than gay people wanting to get married. If they truly want all the good, they must accept the bad as well- ie. alimony, custody disputes, community property etc. Go ahead, do the research. Gay people getting married in states that allow it and then moving to non allowing states and trying to live, or get divorced, what a nightmare. If everyone were nice and just got married and lived happily ever after there would be far fewer objections to this bill. It is all the unintended consequences that are the problem. No one seems to think further than the nose on their face.

The Archbishop needs to excommunicate O'Malley. No Catholic who is practicing their faith can support gay marriage. God speaks of His plan for man in the book of Genesis. And Jesus tells the fornicator to "Go AND SIN NO MORE...". Let them have civil arrangement but MARRIAGE is sacramental. This issue will be on the ballot.

Jesus didn't split the world between sinners and non-sinners, or good and bad or in this context, gay or straight. Jesus split the world between sinners who admitted their sin and sinners who did not admit their sin. One of the biggest problems the "religious" had with Jesus was that Jesus welcomed sinners. Jesus was friends with sinners. The bible says "Jesus came not to judge, but to save" John 3:17.

Been lurking here and just wanted to jump in for a second. I think the main issue I have with this is the word, MARRIAGE. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. Period. If two people of the same sex want to be joined together in a ceremony, they have the right to do so. However, it should be a civil union. And I've had this discussion with friends who ARE gay. Just like the whole Illegal aliens VS OMalley's "new American's" I think since we are supposedly a democracy, it should be left up to the people to vote and decide.

I'm

Pastor, everything in the Constitution is based on people's rights. The rights of: Freedom of Speech, Religion, Assembly,Arm themselves, etc......We also have the right to vote! So, don't understand your line that "no ones rights should be up for a vote ever". That has me perplexed! I objest to the term "marriage", I stated above. If they want to be united in a "civil union" fine, and I think that they should be entitled to the same benefits as their partner. Some might say that the three words Marriage and Civil Union is just splitting hairs, but to me marriage is between man and woman. And I am most certainly not afraid of words! As for love, there are many kinds of love, love for a husband or wife, a sister, a brother, a dog or pet, aunt(s), uncle(s), extended family, friends, country, the flag and what it represents, and the lists goes on and on. I'd like to take a vote and see how many people would support a same sex couple being joined in civil union and be afforded all the benefits. But then, that would go against your beliefs.

i would like to take my vote for governor back please. i am sorry mr ehrlich i made a mistake.

@lynn Love is Gods Love! I understand what you are saying...and it is splitting hairs. You don't have the right to vote on someones civil rights! EVER! If people who are gay want Marriage...who are we to say no...it's none of our business. My beliefs aren't as simple as what I've written...and i'm not going to codify my beliefs for you or anyone.

God bless you Lynn. (:-)

Maryland and this country need LEADERS! NOT POLITICIANS!

amen pastor lorenzo this whole state has gone to hell we need a real person to be a real leader tired of these followers and liars.

I'll second that!

Just to chime in... I do not believe the govt has the right to say who may or may not enter into a loving committed relationship. There is a disconnect between those who oppose the " nanny state" but also want the govt to deny marriage/cilvil union rights to some Americans. Also, how dare the govt tell a church who they may or may not marry? There are some churches that wish to bless same sex unions and some who do not, That should be the option of the community of believers who support each individual church. Just my 2 cents...

@ Robert Armstrong, your comment..."The Archbishop needs to excommunicate the Haters that signed the anti DREAM ACT petition too." Care to elaborate why I am a HATER just because I signed the DREAM ACT petition?? How is that being a HATER?? I signed a petition that gives the REAL registrered voters of this state the opportunity to vote on a law regarding in state tuition for ILLEGAL immigrants. That's all it takes for someone to be a HATER in your book??? Sounds like you are the real HATER. You HATE having fiscal responsibility. You HATE keeping your money in your pocket. I'm sure you HATE a balanced budget amendment for the US Government. No need to comment, I've got you figured out...

Really? The food would be better and if I didn't kill anyone I wouldn't get killed. Oh, its those 10 pesky commandments aint it? How awful it would be if EVERYONE lived by the Bible that you promote as a tool? I think it would be great. I think there was a lot of acceptance in a little town named Sodom, remember it?

The Governor has plans for "HIGHER OFFICE". He's willing to make deals and ignore other MORE SERIOUS problems so Gays get a honeymoon!; his focus is to get the GOLDEN GAY VOTE !. Meanwhile, businesses are "BREAK LEG RUNNING" out of Maryland on his watch while everything else gets the back burner. It's nice to know how dedicated and true this Governor really is. People are hungry, worried about their future since Hope and Change, students can't find part time jobs, unemployment is higher now than ever, AND "AGAIN" OVER 1000 PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS AND LIVING IN TENTS ALL AROUND DUNDALK. ALL THIS "WHILE MARTIN WORRIES ABOUT GAY MARRIAGE". It's nice to know we have our priorities in order Governor! I didn't think I would be able to sleep until you dedicated so much effort to Gay Marriage. Seriously friends, why do we keep electing these same DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANTS Haven't you had enough of this mess? Issues FIRST, Gay Marriage Later!

this is excellent news. Thank you, Gov. O'Malley, for your courage on this issue. It's about time that same sex couples receive the same rights as their hetero counterparts. Equal protection under the law.

Dear Pastor Lorenzo Epps:

Here's an idea for you.

You stay out of government's definition of "marriage".
The government continues to avoid dictating to your sad ass "religion" what marraige is.

note I said "continues to".

Get over yourselves, if you think - for a moment- that God doesn't love all of his children, then you simply have failed in your calling, as unfortunate as it is.

For all those people who label Christians as "anti-gay, judgmental, bigots" I'd really like to start my own little campaign, much like Dan Savage has with the "It Gets Better" campaign. To all those that look to Christians as people who are against you, please believe that we're all not that bad. Most Christians I know, myself included, are very open minded people, but more importantly...WE ARE OPEN HEARTED PEOPLE. We love God, we love God's message given through the Incarnation that is Jesus Christ. We believe His word is God's word and His word clearly states to love your neighbor. Not only are we called to love our neighbor, we are called to love our enemies and pray for them. If we are called to love our neighbors and our enemies, doesn't that include the sum total of humanity? Stop hating...let love be. "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God." 1John 4:8

Love the sinner, hate the sin. Got it!
This is about living wills, hospital visitation and health ins. (very basic definition). No one is hating the sinner here, if you are not hetero, don't try to be. Marriage is a religious event recognized by government. You can't be different then cry cause you're not the same. Patience and tolerance is a two edged sword. I am supposed to accept behavior that I feel is wrong, but you have no patience for my beliefs.

I thank the governor for this undertaking and hope the Misinformed backwater thinkers learn that we do not live in a theocracy and their holy book or deity is not the authority. You all are welcome to your worship and beliefs but stay out of my legal rights. Marriage is a matter of contract law not religious law. States grant licenses and invest power to religious leaders to perform marriages not the other way around.

The magic word here is "Marriage". The state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law.
They should call it something else "Union" but not "Marriage" then approve that and leave Marriage alone.

to Karen: It seems as if your comment illustrates a very good point. You are pointing out that the value of commitment between two men or two women is somehow less worthy, thus relegating same-sex commitments to a second-class status. THIS is exactly what civil equality is about. This is exactly why we need to dispense of the idea of calling it something else. Things with the same name are equal. Things with different names are inherently different.

....but back to the focus....this lil o has his priorities and the priorities of the people out of order.....this should never be an issue because their civil rights are just that...their right!...but there are other things that need to be done at this time.

I am sure this isn't the only issue he is working on.

Here's something else for you folks who insist that the bible demands that marriage only consist of one man and one woman. For those of you whose churches use the Revised Common Lectionary, and if your pastor/priest/minister chose the alternate Old Testament reading for today (1 Kings 3:5-12 - which is the story of how Solomon got his wisdom), here's something about Solomon that your Sunday School teacher never mentioned. If you look forward to 1 Kings 11:1-3, you'll see that it indicates that Solomon had 700 official wives and 300 concubines. I guess this is the paradigm of marriage that you think should be the ideal.

That was a social norm. Do we learn from it, or repeat it?

I'm still waiting for someone to post something intelligent explaining why it's not a good idea to let two mature, consenting adults enter into a legal, binding, monogamous, serious relationship. Just because Governor O'Malley supports it and that you don't particularly like him is NOT a good reason.

Next up is Gay education in kids schools. There was a New York piece pushing for incest marriage. (really google it) If you support traditional marriage between a man and a woman join us at http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/97059459144?ap=1

PMM

There was an article in today's Sunpaper about the mayor of Ocean City the house he shares with his female 'longtime companion'. For those of you who are so concerned about traditional marriage, why are you not concerned about this public servant flaunting societal norms about marriage and not being married?

O'Malley need to go back under the rock from which he crawled out of. Next they are going to want to legalize a marriage between a man and Fluffy or Tabby. They make me sick. I can see legalizing a union between members of the same sex, but do not call it a marriage. Marriage is between a normal (in most cases) man and woman.
I am not against gay and lesbian relationships if that is what the consenting parties want, but don't say you want equal treatment and then expect special treatment.
If you want to call me a homophobe, that's your right. Knock your socks off.
I have a right to believe what I believe. You believe what you believe, but don't try and force your beliefs upon me.

Stop the B.S., It's all about MONEY AND ENTITLEMENTS. I would think we have other important issues facing this state, more important to spend time on than this nonsense. All you supporters where do you stand on pural marriage? Where does it end, I would propose that you could marry your pet for a tax deduction!

Raise your voice, and make illogical arguments and most reasonable people will see you and your argument as foolish. Marrying your cat, dog, cow, goat or horse is a foolish argument. In order to enter into a legally binding agreement concerning Maryland State law means you have to have standing to sign a legally binding agreement. Animals do not have this standing. But you KNOW that. Comparing a gay man's partner or a lesbian woman's partner to a dog is offensive. So, it is very clear to me that your point is to offend and drag this discussion into the mud. Come back when you have an argument that makes sense.

I fully support gay marriage. I'd also like to add that I am shocked and saddened at how hateful some of the comments are.

I completely support this. I don't care if O'Malley has other motives, as long as he is helping to get equal rights for everyone, I support. Most "Christians" use the bibles for their own agendas. A passages up from where it states a man shouldn't lay with another, it states you shall not eat anything with scales. You have to remember the period from when the bible was written. Things were a WHOLE lot different back then.

Just stop hating. Hate is an ugly thing. God doesn't like hate. God loves everyone. Don't degrade people just because you don't like the way they live their lives. Seriously.

"Most "Christians" use the bibles for their own agendas." - Heather Rankin
No heather....christians don't do that...false christians do....there's no problem with us christians supporting this...but ...it is not a priority..and we have bigger fish to fry...it's non of my busines if two men or women want to get married.....I mind my business...it is however my business when so called leaders aren't leading...they should be working on increasing jobs and taking care of those who can't care for themselves...Which one of these so called leaders has CUT THEIR SALARIES? yet...they will cut others salaries...THAT'S NOT LEADERSHIP!
I'm saying this in love heather...not trying to rile your feathers...(:-)

No my comment was mostly for the people way up there in the comment sections. I don't like O'Malley, but I do like the fact that this is happening. Thats all I was stating.

Lorenzo, Attaining Marriage equality was on the table in the last legislative session (and has been for quite a few sequential sessions for a while now.) If you were worried about jobs why didn't you stand up to support Same-Sex Marriage so this discussion would be over with? People who so vehemently argue against Same-Sex marriage do so no matter what the job situation is and will constantly find something more important than SOMEONE ELSE'S civil rights.

Pastor et al-
Not so funny thing is that if you scan this site and other local news web sites you can't help but notice that the same folks who oppose this civil right are also anti-immigrant, favor dismantling the social safety net, accuse the needy and jobless of being lazy bums, losers and worse. They paint all minority members with hateful stereotypes. They support tax breaks for the rich and advantaged and oppose workers rights to collective bargaining. They denigrate public education. They are pro assault weapon, pro war, pro death penalty and yet ironically "pro life". They wave the constitution but conveniently ignore many portions of it . They decry the separation of church and state and yet condemn the Islamic theocracies. They label themselves as Christians while everything they stand for flies in the face of the radical gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. The leaders that they support pander to the radical right and the powerful then accuse others of pandering to a powerless minority. ( continued)

They are often nasty, sarcastic and meanspirited when the inconsistancies, inaccuracies and dishonesties in their commentaries are respectfully refuted with subtantiated, reputable facts. We need only look to recent events in Norway to see what such thinking begets. I am sorry, but I cannot help but consider them to be the oft warned of " anti-Christ(ian)".
That said, I am heartened and touched by many of the thoughtful, loving and truly Christ-like comments on this thread. They give me hope that our people can live up to the ideal of being a beacon in the darkness, a kind and gentle, generous nation living by the golden rule and true spirit of Christianity, instead of the Pharisees letter of the law. Amen.

Wow Pat! You really hit that nail on the head!

So, in reality, the fight is over the equal “right” to use the semantic term “marriage” not about taxes, inheritance, living will decisions or any of the other privileges a traditional married couple enjoys and, for the obtaining of which, the passage of a civil union law would probably be an easy putt. Comparisons of this semantic bickering to the Civil Rights movement are laughable. Forcing people to call it “marriage” won’t change the fact that one is traditional and the other is same-sex. They will always be different. Forcing those that are opposed to relinquish their position will only build resentment and will do nothing to further acceptance. You cannot mandate acceptance. I support unions vs. marriage to avoid offending the older generation’s sensibilities while granting any and all rights that pertain, but frankly, I don’t care either way – and I’m sure the governor doesn’t either. This is just more of the pander and diversion he does so well. Overall support for gay marriage is growing so its eventual passage is inevitable.

just posted a new video blog on this topic and a few others @ www.OhMaryland.weebly.com check it out!

Amazed. Your statement: "Forcing those that are opposed to relinquish their position will only build resentment and will do nothing to further acceptance." You are probably right about this. In fact I know you are right to some degree. When I was a grade school student, before the passage of the 1964 civil rights act, racism was rampant in this county. It hasn't gone away, but it is much less prevalent than it was. This is true for most people who were born after its enactment. Folks who are older than me often retort that they grew up during a different time and hold onto their racist attitudes. Today Racism is vastly unacceptable. The reason racism has subsided is because laws were enacted to provide a social attitude that no matter what a person's ethnic background, we are equal as spelled out in specified areas of that law. The reason LGBT civil rights are important today is that these laws will do the same thing for the LGBT community. It doesn’t matter that a diminishing number of homophobes hold onto their homophobic attitudes. They find themselves part of a smaller and smaller group. And eventually some of those will change their attitude because they will want to be with the majority. This too is inevitable.

It might be semantics to you. But "Civil Unions" do not equal "Marriage." You are apparently unfamiliar with the history of Civil Unions in Vermont and New Jersey. When you set up two systems the eventually diverge. When Gay or lesbians couples apply for insurance from Big Corporations they can deny access. You need to know history. This is a much bigger issue than what you are making it out to be.

Not knowing the background on the cases in Vermont and New Jersey, I would like to know how they will be considered for tax purposes. Will they be "Married"? What about Health Insurance, will they be considered a "Family" for insurance purposes? Any ideas on these two things? Just trying to get some opinions.

there are too many immature people in here attacking others....If you attack you should expect to be attacked and possibly removed from this strand.....just because you back your comment with clips of articles and laws doesn't make your point more valued...just because someone doesn't agree with you doesn't give you the right to bully....let me remind you...everyone's name can be traced...if you get out of line ...the proper authorities can be called...this includes attorneys...be careful comparing folks to terrorists....THIS IS A SERIOUS ACCUSATION!

Oh, now I see who you really are! That whole anti-immigration thing touches a raw spot- does it? Reminders that intolerance can be an incubator of extremism is in no way an accusation of terrorism. Reading Comprehension 101. Sorry, but debate points must be deducted for resorting to name calling and threats when a cogent
"backed up" argument cannot be made. By the by, threats= bullying. In your words from elsewhere on this thread-
"comments are meant to be read to get a feel for the climate...if you are going to edit out everything you don't like...might as well be communist soviet union. my point...we are adults...we don't NEED you or anyone to edit out our comments! SHAME!"
Goodbye Pastor.

From what I see here and in the news, there's just a lot of HATE and INTOLERANCE and BIGOTRY spewing out from those who oppose marriage equality. As someone who grew up in the Deep South, I heard the same vitriol as a kid from those who fought against Civil Rights.

My dad took me to see Martin Luther King, Jr., and march in a parade in Birmingham when I was a 6 year old (white) child in Alabama, and told me that we have to stand up against those who are want to deny people their basic rights. I'm so glad that my daughter, who now lives in New York City, went over to Stonewall to celebrate with her straight and LGBT friends the evening the measure was signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo, after the Republican-led Senate passed marriage equality. I'm so glad she was there to be apart of history, because in 50 years, we'll all be sickened by the disgusting and inhumane hatred and bigotry that is being expressed here. And, wow, this IS Maryland, not Alabama!

So, thank you, Governor O'Malley! You are a courageous man who is on the right side of history, ethics and progress for the human race. That's why we elected you our Governor again in a landslide. Next year, I hope to have my daughter with me to celebrate the passage of marriage for ALL couples in Maryland...and know that whatever God we may (or may not) believe in will be happy and proud and touched. Amen!

regarding pat, mark, robert and so many others:
"PEARLS AND SWINE." "The sacredness of Truth is given value by the teaching that we should not cast pearls before swine. Spiritual truths cannot be taught to those who will not accept them. The wisdom of this world is foolishness to a greater wisdom; and the wisdom of Spirit is often overlooked by human foolishness."

I have wasted my time and enough time on the likes of you. BYE!

All this talk about marriage equality has me a bit confused...can't ANY man already marry any woman who's willing to marry him, and vice versa? Likewise, no man or woman...heterosexual or homosexual, can marry a member of the same sex in Maryland. Sounds pretty equal to me. I just wish I could marry my cousin and escape the bigotry I've encountered and hurtful names like "inbred" I've been called by both straight and gay people. Such intolerance is....well, intolerable.

"If you don't like gay marriage, blame straight people. They're the ones that keep having gay babies."

By the way, for those of you that believe this is some attempt by O'Malley to gain future votes in a senatorial campaign, you may want to take off the tin foil head gear. This is not a politically popular move in this day and age in Maryland, primarily because of the strength of the religious organizations in many urban areas of our state. I think O'Malley recognizes that in generations to come, our treatment of homosexuality in America is going to be viewed much as our prior history with African Americans, as a source of shame and embarrassment. He also clearly wanted this to pass last year, but wouldn't get in front and lead the fight. Watching how Cuomo led the crusade in NY seemed to embarrass O'Malley, and he has pledged to do it differently this year.

Oh, and for full disclosure, I am Catholic, I voted for Ehrlich and I'm straight. But I'm embarrassed at how we treat people who simply want to live happily with the one they love, afforded the same legal benefits as heterosexual unions.

Not defending traditional marriage is a slippery slope. Poligamists are already filing lawsuits for plural marriages. How much will it cost us when they push Gay education in your child's school? Please join us to defend marriage. http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/97059459144?ap=1

To understand why we should use the word "Marriage" and not "Civil Unions" to define same-sex unions see this blog post: http://perryhall.patch.com/blog_posts/why-marriage-and-not-civil-unions

GAY MARRIAGE IS NOT THE PRIORITY! JOBS JOBS JOBS!

Whew.......................

Btw I did NOT vote for m.o.m. don't hate him, don't hate anyone, but I can't stand him. He is just too in love with himself to do the right thing ever. I'm not against gay marriage. I don't feel like anyone has a right to judge anyone. I think gay marriage would have been legit with or without m.o.m. so I am not giving him credit for anything except higher taxes. Oh and Shiela Dixon's retirement pay. :(

1. Sharing one's faith is not forcing your beliefs on someone.
2. For all the talk of tolerance here, where's the tolerance (and respect) of Christian beliefs?
3. I'm really disappointed by some responses of "Christians" here.

I absolutely love the references to "traditional marriage." Have we forgotten our history, even right here in Maryland? My mother, in 1972, could not have a hysterectomy without her husbands permission. In 1962, my grandmother could not have cobalt treatment for cancer without permission from her estranged husband. THAT is traditional marriage, folks. The husband OWNED the wife, OWNED the children. Until the 1970's, THAT was traditional marriage - it was a contract of ownership. We do **NOT** have traditional marriage. Stop kidding yourself, folks.

So what are you actually saying? What you are REALLY saying is that you want COMFORTABLE marriage - something that benefits you, doesn't embarrass you, doesn't make you think beyond your own self importance. Shall we grow up? If you do not believe in same gender marriage then don't have one. Duh.

As for the "we have other things on our plate to worry about" - there is NO bad time to demand equality. When people stop demanding equality, they end up in ghetto's then possibly concentration camps. Think Jews. Think Japanese. Think African Americans. Slippery slope is what someone else said - and they are wrong AND right. They just don't realize which direction that slope is going.

"Stripping marriage of its unique connection to parenthood disregards the reasons why government has always elevated marriage over all other relationships as the fundamental building block of society."

One man-one woman couples (whether by choice or circumstance) can be childless.
Same sex couples can have children (via adoption or surrogacy).

Tying “marriage” to “parenting” seems archaic to me. Of course, I wouldn’t expect anything less than archaic from the Catholic Church (and in the interests of full disclosure – I’m Catholic).

Same sex couple, civil unioned in 2000. We have 2 children, one about to turn 16, the other 4 months behind him. One is mine, the other is adopted - from a STRAIGHT couple that abused him - physically and sexually. Everyone who meets my kids absolutely adores them. They are active in sports and school - and music and theater. They have girlfriends (they weren't suddenly converted) and a slew of trustworthy friends on which they can depend. I know quite a few gay parents with kids. As a foster parent, I know of NONE that lost their children due to physical or sexual abuse. However, with the number of kids that came through my house I can tell you I know PLENTY of children abused by their STRAIGHT parents because they ALL came from STRAIGHT people who threw them away. So, I REALLY don't want to hear how gay people can't be parents. When straight parents get their acts together, THEN tell us with all the sanctimonous crap how terrible gay parents are. Remember - we take care of a good part of straight people's disposal kin. Seriously.

Want to live in a religious country, let me know how Iran... Iraq... Afghanistan... Egypt... Syria. All those spouting 'bible' verses to support their brand of bigotry (and let's make no mistake - it IS bigotry in a religious sense... once you admit it, you will feel better about yourselves and your position on the issue) are really no different those in the >gasp< Taliban that want the same thing. No civil law - just religious wall. Call it what it is, folks. Seriously. Then ask yourself this: "When does someone elses religious beliefs stop being ok and when I can I be bigoted against them - or is it ok for them to be bigoted against me for *my* religious intolerance? Look in the mirror - ask the serious question, think about the implications THEN come back and tell us how your religious beliefs are the only correct ones. Because at THAT juncture you have done nothing more than Islam has done in proclaiming a 'holy war'.

Just curious - what is the difference between a marriage and a civil union? I say this for the millions of heterosexual couples who have lived together as man and wife for many years but not in the eyes of the law.

Should have commented further.....in other words do these folks who have lived together fall under the civil union description? Sorry I am a little uneducated in this regard. Perhaps you can help. And if civil union applies for one group - does apply for all?

It's against the law down in the Teabag Republic

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/unmarried-living-together-youre-breaking-the-law-in-1807247.html?cxntlid=cmg_cntnt_rss

Possible new state slogan “Come to Maryland, the land of the Illegal sanctuary, legal homosexuality and the over taxed”

Another thought...is it possibly all about money, taxes, et al?

It's your right to get married through the government...but...with God.....Who knows!

Mark.....OMG - stop taking yourself so seriously. I am not zeroing in on Same Sex Couples!!! Nor on the religious aspect. It just so happens that not being married has its big-time issues when it comes to legal matters, taxes, estate inheritance,etc. no matter what your sexual orientation is and no matter how long you have been together as a couple and no matter how much love is involved.....all put in place by the legal system way, way back with no real thought about same sex anything. That is what I am referring to - and certainly not insinuating otherwise...neither same sex, different sex, zero sex honey child!!! I I bring to the table the unfortunate laws that :"punish" folks tax-wise, healthcare wise for not being together in any legal format. Most adults are aware of this.

I am serious about this issue because it is so drastically misunderstood. The passage of a Marriage Equality law in Maryland could potentially affect 16,987 households in our state according to the 2010 census data. (http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-08-11/news/bs-md-census-same-sex-couples-20110811_1_gay-couples-gay-households-marriage-bill) Your question about the inclusion of unmarried heterosexual couples being included in the description of "civil union" is one case in point. Maryland State Law does not define who is included in the “description of civil union” because Maryland does not have a civil union law. Unmarried heterosexual couples have the option to get married if they want to, same-sex couples do not have this option. That is the elementary basis for THIS discussion in the first place. The discrimination, as you see it, by heterosexual couples surrounding the “big-time issues when it comes to legal matters, taxes, estate inheritance, etc” is an entirely different matter. If unmarried couples want the tax benefits that married people have they should lobby for them and work to get those changes made in Annapolis. I have seen absolutely no effort in that direction. The opportunity to get married may seem like an arbitrary desire for you but it is not for many people who are excluded from the opportunity to get married and have it recognized by state law.

I'm really glad the issue of marriage equality is being brought to the forefront of Marylanders' consciousness. For too long I have been subjected to ridicule, bigotry and discrimination because I want to marry the woman I love, a consenting adult - my cousin. I've been called a redneck inbred by countless bigots both liberal and conservative. The worst is when people say my fight for marriage equality will lead to people marrying their dogs, etc....as if a dog could consent to such a thing. That is totally offensive. My cousin and I share the most beautiful love, moreso than most non-related couples....straight or gay. Let gay people marry...along with polygamists with consenting wives.

MARRIAGE EQUALITY FOR ALL!

For everyone bringing up what's in the Bible, I want to know how you know what's in the Bible is the actual truth? You do know people used to trip off of moldy bread back then and then they wrote about what they "saw?" My God is a loving God that just wants his children to be happy, kind people. I don't understand why gay and lesbian marriages upset people so much. We are all human and should have the right to marry whomever we want. Marriage equality for all!