Last Thursday, Maryland State Senators voted 25-21 in favor of the Civil Marriage Protection Act, a bill legalizing gay marriage. The bill then passed to the House of Delegates, where debate began on Friday. Supporters are thrilled with the passing and are hopeful the House of Delegates will follow suit. The debate in the House, however, is expected to be even more “rancorous” than in the Senate. As of now, the bill has 58 sponsors, where 71 delegates will be needed for passage.
In Hawaii, Governor Neil Abercrombie helped Hawaii become the seventh state to pass a civil union bill by signing a law allowing same-sex civil unions last Wednesday. This will not go into effect immediately, but rather starting on January 1st, 2012. This is also the first law that Governor Abercrombie has signed since his election this past November.
Hawaii-
A month ago, Hawaii’s state senate voted to approve a same sex civil union bill. Yesterday, a bill with added amendments received an oral approval and is expected to pass a final vote today. The newest amendments will allow couples to file taxes jointly as well as utilizing family court for divorce proceedings. Democratic governor Neil Abercrombie will have ten days to sign the bill into law if it passes.
Maryland-
Two more state senators have agreed to support the marriage equality bill in Maryland. The bill needs 24 votes to pass the chamber and Senators Edward Kasemeyer and Katherine Klausmeier will bring the total votes to 23. There are still four democrats who remain undecided in showing their support for or against the legislation. Only one republican, Kittleman, is sponsoring the bill. The bill should pass out of committee by this Thursday.
New Hampshire-
This week will see hearings in New Hampshire to see if state republicans will attempt to repeal the state’s same-sex marriage law. Meanwhile, two separate polls show that the majority of state residents support the bill and would much rather see state lawmakers tackle fiscal issues instead. The repeal bill’s main sponsor, Rep. David Bates, is confident this will pass in both the House and the Senate. There is, however, a strong leaning towards Governor John Lynch vetoing the bill if it passes. The New Hampshire House majority leader says that marriage repeal is not a priority.
Washington State-
Yesterday, Valentine’s Day, openly gay state senator Ed Murray introduced a new bill to give marriage equality to gay and lesbian residents. A second openly gay state law-maker, Rep. Jim Moeller is expected to introduce similar legislation today.
In Maryland, State Senator Allan Kittleman, a Republican, made a formal announcement declaring his support for same-sex marriage legislation. He is the first Republican in state history to have shown support of marriage legislation such as this. Kittleman looks to his father, former state senator, Robert Kittleman, as the reason behind his support for equality:
“I was raised by a gentleman who joined with others in fighting racial discrimination in the 1950s and 1960s,” Kittleman said. “Watching him fight for civil rights instilled in me the belief that everyone, regardless of race, sex, national origin or sexual orientation, is entitled to equal rights.”
Kittleman has already suggested moves to introduce civil unions legislation, but instead will solely support the equal marriage bill. In his statement he says:
“1. I wanted to ensure that same sex couples had the same rights and responsibilities as married couples in Maryland;
2. I wanted to remove the government’s intervention in what most Marylanders consider a religious institution (marriage); and
3. I wanted to develop a consensus on an issue that has been very divisive for many years.”
We thank Senator Kittleman for his support, and look forward to seeing the passage of this bill.
In a recent web video post, Barbara Bush, New York resident and daughter to former president George W. Bush, implored others to stand up and support the fight for marriage equality. Laura Bush, her mother and the wife of President Bush also stood up for gay marriage during a television interview last year. Other family members of have shown their outspoken support for marriage equality. Both Cindy and Meghan McCain publicly voiced their support, even when their husband/father, John McCain, opposes the idea. Mary Cheney, the daughter of Dick Cheney, as well as a lesbian, is credited with turning her father into a supporter of gay marriage. This is all “evidence that the acceptance of same-sex marriage is blind to party affiliation and family values.”
