An anticipated Tuesday morning vote on
a gay marriage bill in Maryland was delayed after two supporters were
no-shows, Baltimore's
WBAL News reported.
Democratic Delegates Jill Carter and
Tiffany Alston missed the early morning vote without explanation.
Republican members of the House
Judiciary Committee heckled Chairman Joseph Vallario, who opposes the
gay marriage bill, before he decided to delay the vote until later on
Tuesday.
A slim majority of committee members
have pledged their support for the measure.
The panel began debate on the bill last
Friday, one
day after the Senate gave its final approval. The Senate
approved the measure with the assistance of one Republican, Senator
Allan Kittleman, who joined 24 Democrats in voting for the bill.
The full House could take a final vote
on the legislation by Friday.
House members appear nearly evenly
split on the measure. Supporters claim they have 69 of the 71 votes
needed for passage in the House, generally considered the more
liberal chamber on social issues.
Opponents
of gay marriage have mounted a vigorous campaign to derail the bill.