Maryland

On February 24, 2010, the Maryland Attorney General issued an opinion stating that Maryland law should honor out of state marriages with no gay exception.  Also, for numerous years in a row, Maryland lawmakers have killed an attempt to write marriage discrimination into the state constitution. Just as Marylanders are succeeding in protecting their constitution, they are also fighting to overturn an anti-marriage law in order to end the exclusion of same-sex couples and their families from marriage. Although the state Supreme Court wrote a disappointing decision upholding marriage discrimination, state advocacy groups, religious organizations, and Maryland lawmakers are continuing to move forward to protect all families. As a result of successful legislative campaigns, gay couples in Maryland can access some protections and responsibilities at the state level.

For information about how to get married in DC: Supreme Court of DC Marriage Bureau Section and District of Columbia Office of GLBT Affairs. 

Status: Out-of-State Marriages Honored, Some Protections for Couples, Anti-Marriage Law

Groups Actively Working on Marriage

Equality Maryland: Maryland's largest LGBT civil rights group working to secure and protect the rights of LGBT Marylanders by promoting legislative initiatives at the state, county and municipal levels

Maryland Black Family Alliance: a coalition of Black familiesand leaders of many faiths who stand for fairness, justice and equality for all families

Take Action by signing the petition in support of the Attorney General's Opinion.

Blog Posts Related to Maryland

DC Residents Alarmed by Robo-Calls: Anti-gay group, NOM, targets District Voters at Home

GLAA Forum: ''The National Organization for Marriage is sponsoring robo-calling of DC residents asking if they think marriage should be between only one man and one woman. Since marriage equality is now a fact in the city, the reasons for this survey might not be apparent.''

Equality Maryland Mobilizes Pro-Equality Clergy Support

In response to an outpouring of opposition from the local Catholic Conference, as well as a big push from the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), Equality Maryland launched an ad last week with 100 signatures from clergy throughout the Free State who support marriage equality.

DC Married Couples on The Washington Post’s Live Blog

Same-sex couples were first able to apply for licenses in the District last Wednesday but, like all couples, had to follow the city's three-day waiting period before getting hitched.

Rick Imirowicz and Terrance Heath, who were married Tuesday, were online Wednesday, March 10, at 1 p.m. ET to discuss the new law in the District and what it means to them and others in the GLBT community and the nation.

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Resources Related to Maryland

Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Recognition for Same-Sex Couples in Maryland

Lambda Legal, American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Equality Maryland, and the American Civil Liberties Union: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Guide for same-sex couples in Maryland who married out of state.

FAQ about Maryland Attorney General’s Opinion on Out-of-State Marriage Licenses

Equality Maryland's answers to frequently asked questions.

Maryland Census Snapshot

Demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in Maryland.

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