Feb 11, 2008 11:24 pm US/Eastern
Gay Rights Advocates Rally For Marriage
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) ―
The high-profile same sex marriage debate takes center stage in Annapolis Monday night. Dozens rallied on the steps of the State House in favor of a bill that would allow gay men and lesbians to marry.
Kathryn Brown has reaction from opponents and supporters.
Same-sex marriage advocates know they are fighting an uphill battle but they are determined to continue their push for equality, despite some signals that the issue won't come to a vote this year.
Braving a bitter cold, about 150 advocates of same-sex marriage rally in the shadow of the State House.
"We want to be able to protect our families. We want to be able to have all the responsibilities that parents should have for their kids," said Gita Deane.
Maryland's highest court handed same-sex couples a stinging defeat last September when they declared the state's ban on gay marriage to be constitutional.
Still, advocates are back now with an optimistic outlook.
"You don't strengthen a relationship between a man and a woman by restricting who can enjoy the relationship," said John Tucker.
Gay marriage advocates are looking to remove gender specifications in state marriage law. There are signs, though, that this may not be the year they accomplish their goals.
"I'm not here because I think we'll win," said Donna Senft. "I'm here because if we don't keep the issue before the legislators and don't have people discuss same-sex marriage, my fear is that the legislators have the option of taking the easy way out."
Opponents of gay marriage are pushing a constitutional amendment. The issue, they say, should be voted on by the general public, not just lawmakers.
"I think regardless of which side of the issue you're on, whether you're a homosexual advocate or whether you're on my side of the issue opposing same-sex marriage, I think the people and the citizens of Maryland deserve a vote," said Delegate Don Dwyer.
A Senate committee is scheduled to start taking up same-sex union proposals on Thursday.
Governor O'Malley says he would support civil unions, but hasn't said if he plans to lobby lawmakers to take up the issue this year.
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