The debate on whether to legalize gay
marriage in Maryland began Friday with the introduction of a bill in
the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Rob Garagiola
and Senator Rich Madaleno are behind the bill that seeks to legalize
gay nuptials.
Lawmakers in the House will introduce
their version next week to expedite the process during Maryland's
brief 90-day session, which began 2 weeks ago.
Madaleno told On Top Magazine
during a brief telephone interview that the chances of passage are
“the best it's ever been.”
“We had a very successful election in
Maryland on this issue. We brought in a number of new people who are
committed to this issue in both chambers. In the state Senate we
enlarged the Democratic majority, which is a rarity in 2010.”
“It was a transformative election in
Maryland on this issue,” he added.
Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley has
pledged to sign a gay marriage bill into law if approved by
lawmakers.
Gay marriage is legal in five states –
Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont – and
the District of Columbia.
Legislation
that would legalize gay marriage has already been introduced in Rhode
Island. Hawaii
lawmakers are set to consider civil unions. New
York State Senator Thomas Duane has promised to introduce a gay
marriage bill “within weeks.”