| Page 3 of 3 < |
Judge Strikes Down Md. Ban on Gay Marriage
Lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit, Gita Deane, left, and Lisa Polyak of Baltimore, are savoring their victory but acknowledge that challenges lie ahead.
(By Michael Robinson Chavez -- The Washington Post)
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Political strategists said Ehrlich and Democrats in the legislature probably have recognized the potential for a ballot initiative to provide the governor with a significant political edge as he seeks reelection. Republican political consultant Kevin Igoe said the ruling was like "waving a red flag at a bull" for Ehrlich's conservative base. If the issue appears on a ballot, he said, it would almost certainly drive up GOP turnout.
For the issue to make the ballot, though, three-fifths of lawmakers must approve it, a prospect that is doubtful. Maryland law does not allow citizens to petition measures directly onto the ballot.
The two leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates showed no sign they would embrace the court ruling. In a statement, Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley affirmed his belief that marriage should be between a man and woman, but he said he supports legislative steps to broaden health care decision-making rights for same-sex couples.
Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan issued a statement touting his past support for expanded rights. Although he has opposed same-sex marriage in the past, his statement yesterday was silent on the subject. .
Deane and Polyak acknowledged feeling anxious about where the issue is headed as they waited for their daughters to come home from school.
"I worry about what the General Assembly is going to do with this decision," Polyak said hesitantly. "That it will be used to make political hay at the expense of our families. I hope that doesn't happen."
Staff writers Hamil R. Harris, Ann E. Marimow, Mary Otto and Eric Rich contributed to this report.
