Maryland Attorney General Explores Recognition of Marriages in Other States
Posted on May 30, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Baltimore Sun
May 30, 2009
Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler is exploring whether legal marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states can be recognized in Maryland, a move that could open an avenue for legal recognition of gay and lesbian couples who have been rebuffed by the courts and legislature here. [link]
May 30, 2009
Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler is exploring whether legal marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states can be recognized in Maryland, a move that could open an avenue for legal recognition of gay and lesbian couples who have been rebuffed by the courts and legislature here. [link]
Md. Legislators, Activists Forging Ahead on Marriage
Posted on May 22, 2009 at 10:47 am
Washington Blade
May 22, 2009
Following an editorial in the Baltimore Sun that encouraged Gov. Martin O’Malley to have Attorney General Doug Gansler provide the governor “a legal opinion determining whether Maryland law permits the state to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere," the Governor has taken no public action. However Equality Maryland is nonetheless working with the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and elected officials to have the attorney general supply an opinion, and move it forward. [link]
May 22, 2009
Following an editorial in the Baltimore Sun that encouraged Gov. Martin O’Malley to have Attorney General Doug Gansler provide the governor “a legal opinion determining whether Maryland law permits the state to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere," the Governor has taken no public action. However Equality Maryland is nonetheless working with the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal and elected officials to have the attorney general supply an opinion, and move it forward. [link]
Maryland Should Honor All Out-of-State Unions
Posted on May 10, 2009 at 02:43 pm
Baltimore Sun Editorial
May 10, 2009
Our view: As the marriage equality movement builds national momentum, an opportunity may exist for Maryland to recognize all out-of-state unions, but Gov. O'Malley will need to show leadership. [link]
May 10, 2009
Our view: As the marriage equality movement builds national momentum, an opportunity may exist for Maryland to recognize all out-of-state unions, but Gov. O'Malley will need to show leadership. [link]
Civil Marriage Is a Healthy Choice
Posted on Mar 16, 2009 at 10:41 am
Washington Post
March 15, 2009
Peter Beilenson, the health officer of Howard County, writes, "This month, the Maryland General Assembly again will hear arguments in favor of granting same-sex couples the ability to legally marry...what about the strong body of evidence that married couples fare much better, both physically and psychologically, than unmarried, cohabitating couples? This evidence alone illustrates that denying same-sex couples access to civil marriage is, quite simply, relegating them to inferior health status." (Link)
March 15, 2009
Peter Beilenson, the health officer of Howard County, writes, "This month, the Maryland General Assembly again will hear arguments in favor of granting same-sex couples the ability to legally marry...what about the strong body of evidence that married couples fare much better, both physically and psychologically, than unmarried, cohabitating couples? This evidence alone illustrates that denying same-sex couples access to civil marriage is, quite simply, relegating them to inferior health status." (Link)
Marriage-Equality Backers, Foes Face Off Again in Md
Posted on Mar 12, 2009 at 02:44 pm
Delmarva Now
March 11, 2009
Opponents and supporters of a proposed measure to allow gay couples to marry in Maryland debated the bill before the state's Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in Annapolis Wednesday. [Link]
TALKING TO FAMILY: Maryland Black Family Alliance Supports Equality
Posted on Feb 09, 2009 at 11:00 am
Guest Blogger: Lea GilmoreMarriage is a fundamental right. Marriage is love. Love is universal.
The Maryland Black Family Alliance (MBFA) is an alliance African American straight-allies who are professors, elected officials, pastors, medical professionals, social workers, artists, college students, engineers, wives, mothers, sisters, brothers and more who dementedly believe in fairness, justice and equality for all families. Further, we adamantly believe that love and commitment are the essence of family and that family is the foundation of strong Black communities. Therefore, we seek to ensure that all Black families -- including those headed by lesbians and gay men -- have the full protection of the law.
MBFA recognizes that one cannot discuss fairness and equality without acknowledging the deep history of oppressions, MBFA recognizes itself as a holistic organization that understands the intersection of racial justice and marriage equality. We understand and never diminish the significance of race and its meanings in our society. In our outreach and advocacy, we collaborate with and seek to educate those who need a greater understanding of civil marriage and marriage equality, but also work within the greater LGBT community to facilitate a deeper understanding of the many dynamics that inform the opinions and social mores of communities of color, in particular Maryland's Black community.
As we continue to acknowledge and celebrate the 8oth birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we embrace his words – injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
As African Americans, we know that discrimination is wrong and that it damages us all when we exclude any group of Americans from the protections that other Americans enjoy. Therefore, with an integrity inspired by our past, and as we commemorate this Freedom to Marry Week, we seek fairness, justice and equality for all families.
Lea Gilmore is program director of the Maryland Black Family Association. She and her husband have long been allies for LGBT rights.
O’Malley Seeks Wider Benefits
Posted on Feb 03, 2009 at 10:58 am
Washington Post
February 3, 2009
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley announced yesterday the introduction of a proposal that would extend health insurance protections to domestic partners of gay and lesbian state employees. The plan is expected to be approved by Md.'s legislative committee. [Link]
February 3, 2009
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley announced yesterday the introduction of a proposal that would extend health insurance protections to domestic partners of gay and lesbian state employees. The plan is expected to be approved by Md.'s legislative committee. [Link]
‘It’s hard to endure’
Posted on Sep 12, 2008 at 10:22 am
Washington Blade
September 12, 2008
One year after Maryland’s high court upheld a law banning gay and lesbian couples' marriages, gay couples remain angry, yet many are confident that their dream is within reach. Lisa Polyak, who lives in Baltimore with her partner, Gita Deane, and their two children, said she still feels the sting of the court ruling 12 months later. “I think it’s fair to say we’re still extremely saddened by the court’s action, and I don’t think it’s the kind of thing that will leave us for a long time since it continues to wound our ability to take care of our family,” she said. [Link]
September 12, 2008
One year after Maryland’s high court upheld a law banning gay and lesbian couples' marriages, gay couples remain angry, yet many are confident that their dream is within reach. Lisa Polyak, who lives in Baltimore with her partner, Gita Deane, and their two children, said she still feels the sting of the court ruling 12 months later. “I think it’s fair to say we’re still extremely saddened by the court’s action, and I don’t think it’s the kind of thing that will leave us for a long time since it continues to wound our ability to take care of our family,” she said. [Link]
Equality Maryland releases grades for state lawmakers
Posted on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Washington Blade
August 29, 2008
The scorecards were designed to help legislators better address the needs of their district and help constituents decide who to vote for at reelection time and who to back with financial support.“We’re getting ready for 2010 when they are all up for reelection, so we decided to start early, and let them know that we’re really watching,” Carrie Evans, policy director for the organization, said. [Link]
August 29, 2008
The scorecards were designed to help legislators better address the needs of their district and help constituents decide who to vote for at reelection time and who to back with financial support.“We’re getting ready for 2010 when they are all up for reelection, so we decided to start early, and let them know that we’re really watching,” Carrie Evans, policy director for the organization, said. [Link]
In Maryland, Less Bingo, More Health Coverage Start Today
Posted on Jul 02, 2008 at 11:29 am
Washington Post
July 1, 2008
Gay and lesbian couples will have new rights, as 189 laws take effect in Maryland. (Link)
July 1, 2008
Gay and lesbian couples will have new rights, as 189 laws take effect in Maryland. (Link)