Gay rights groups on Thursday cheered
Maryland becoming the eighth state to legalize gay marriage.
Governor Martin
O'Malley signed a gay marriage bill into law during a signing
ceremony surrounded by supporters in Annapolis.
O'Malley, who championed the bill as it
made its way through the General Assembly, said that “the way
forward is always greater respect for equal rights for all” and
reiterated that all Marylanders want their children to be “protected
equally under the law.”
Kate Kendell, executive director of the
National Center for Lesbian Rights, noted increasing gains for
marriage equality in applauding Maryland.
“There is no doubt that 2012 is off
to a firecracker start when it comes to tipping the scales in favor
of full equality for our relationships and a future where the promise
of justice for all is realized. Governor Martin O'Malley, like
Washington Governor Chris Gregoire last month, has distinguished
himself as a political leader who takes seriously his oath to uphold
and defend the Constitution. We know we have farther to go before
every LGBT person can live fully and freely, but today in Maryland
our brothers and sisters can rest easier, knowing that their families
are recognized and secure under the law.”
“Step by step, we continue to draw
closer to full equality for every American,” said Mike Thompson,
Acting President of GLAAD. “Today's historic bill signing reflects
the opinion of a growing majority of Americans who – regardless of
race, political affiliation and religion – believe that every
committed couple should be able to marry the person they love.”
Thompson also made reference to an
effort to repeal the law: “Though opponents have already taken
measures to deprive gay and lesbian Marylanders of the vital
protections that only marriage can afford, we remain confident that,
if asked, voters will echo Governor O'Malley's support for full
equality”