Gov. O’Malley signs marriage referendum, allows MD couples to apply for marriage licenses

By Adam Polaski
Dec 06, 2012 at 11:30 am

This morning, Governor Martin O'Malley signed the necessary documents that will allow same-sex couples in Maryland to begin applying for marriage licenses.

On his Facebook page, Gov. O'Malley wrote, "It's official! Courthouses can now issue licenses to same-sex couples for January weddings. Today is a big step forward for the dignity of every child's home." 

County and city courts in Maryland are permitted to begin accepting applications for marriage licenses as soon as today. The marriage licenses will not take effect until January 1, 2013. 

O'Malley's signature comes just one month after a majority of voters in Maryland approved the freedom to marry at the ballot by voting FOR Question 6.

Yesterday, Gov. Christine Gregoire also certified the freedom to marry in Washington. Couples in Washington state can apply for marriage licenses beginning today, December 6, and they can receive their licenses three days later, on December 9. Maine couples can begin marrying on December 29, 2012. 

Congratulations to all of the same-sex couples in Maine, Maryland, and Washington who will soon be able to share in the freedom to marry throughout their states. 

Learn more about all of the November 2012 marriage ballot initiatives, and check out 11 happy couples who celebrated victories on Election Day!