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• May 17, 2008 8:08 pm US/Eastern
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  Md. Lawmaker's Hope Renewed For Gay Marriage

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Md. Lawmaker's Hope Renewed For Gay Marriage

A state senator says this week's California Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage gives him reason to be optimistic that same-sex couples will gain the right to marry in Maryland.

Senator Richard Madaleno notes that California was the first state to allow interracial couples to marry.

Madaleno says he's pleased it will be the second to legalize gay marriage.

Legislation to allow gay marriage in Maryland hasn't made it out of committee.

This year, Governor Martin O'Malley is considering signing two bills that would extend some benefits to same-sex partners that are available only to married couples.

The bills would become law without O'Malley's signature if he doesn't take action by May 27.

Madaleno, who is openly gay, says it's important for the government to recognize same-sex marriage, rather than just the clergy, because half the marriages in Maryland are performed in civil ceremonies.

(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)