May 18, 2008 11:14 pm US/Eastern
Controversy Over Gay Marriage Continues In Md.
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
On Thursday, Governor Martin O'Malley is expected to sign two bills allowing more rights for same sex couples.
Jessica Kartalija reports this comes as California's Supreme Court votes to legalize gay marriage.
A banner outside the First Unitarian Church in Baltimore City is a sign of the times.
"We believe in the God that stands for love. Jesus stood on the side of love. Buddha stood on the side of compassion. We believe civil marriage is a civil right," said Rev. Phyllis Hubbell.
This comes as California's Supreme Court grants marriage rights to same sex couples.
"I think the Supreme Court in California is a great step forward and will encourage other states that they can take this step now, that there's not just one state, Massachusetts, taking this step alone," said Charles Blackburn.
Governor Martin O'Malley says he supports civil unions.
"We have two bills that were passed that give equal rights when it comes to medical decision-making and equal rights when it comes to transfer tax," he said.
Doug Stiegler is executive director of a group called the Family Protection Lobby.
"They have all the same rights we do in every area," he said. "It's a personal issue that should not be involved in government."
But some church leaders argue signing the bills would be a step in the right direction and that it's a human rights issue and not a religious one.
"It makes it clear that just because we've done something one way doesn't mean we have to today," said Rev. John Manwell.
"There's no such thing as separation of church and state in the Constitution. That's just a created diversion. Church definitely should be involved in government," Stiegler said.
"We know, ultimately, that fairness is going to win out in this country," Blackburn said.
Civil unions offer same sex couples almost 400 fewer rights than civil marriage.
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