TV ads highlighting Question 6’s protections for religious freedom air in Maryland

This week, Marylanders for Marriage Equality, the coalition working to secure the freedom to marry at the ballot in Maryland by voting FOR Question 6, began airing television ads in strategic markets in Maryland.

Both ads feature African-American pastors emphasizing that Question 6 would allow for civil marriages between same-sex couples and that religious freedom would still be protected; that is, churches and religious institutions could still refuse to perform marriages for same-sex couples.

The ministers, Rev. Delman Coates and Rev. Donte Hickman, hail from Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Prince George's County and Baltimore's Southern Baptist Church. Both ads share a similar message:

As a pastor, my support for Question 6 is rooted in my belief that the government should treat everyone equally. I wouldn't want someone denying my rights based upon their religious views, so I shouldn't deny others based on mine. I support this law because it doesn't force any church to perform a same-sex marriage if it's against their beliefs. And that's what this is about: Protecting religious freedom and all Marylanders equally under the law. Join me in voting for Question 6. 

Although all forms of media attention are important for the Maryland ballot campaign, we know that television advertising continues to be one of the most prominent ways that voters get information about elections. Advertisements like this are critical for showing Marylanders that Question 6 would only provide for civil marriage and that it wouldn't encroach on the religious freedom of churches and religious organizations.

Watch one of the ads below, and read more about all four states where marriage is on the ballot this November.