Maryland State Senator Allan H.
Kittleman has stepped down from his post as Republican minority
leader over his support for civil unions for gay and lesbian couples.
Kittleman had announced two weeks ago
that he would introduce a civil unions bill to counter an upcoming
gay marriage bill backed by Democrats. Senate
Majority Leader Rob Garagiola and Senator Rich Madaleno introduced
that bill on Friday.
According to the Washington Post,
Republican colleagues disapproved of Kittleman's plans, and the
ranking Republican decided that Senate GOP members should have a
leader who is “more conservative than I am on social issues.”
“I don't want to have them worry
every time I get on the floor, 'What is he going to say?'” he told
the paper.
Kittleman, who has served as the
chamber's minority leader for two years, insisted the decision to
resign was his own.
“No one encouraged him to step down
nor did we expect him to step down. He has been an excellent
Minority Leader,” Senator Nancy Jacobs told the paper in an email.