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Md. Senator at a Loss for Words Over Same-Sex Marriage Bill

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Having a colleague who can explain the law's impact "has changed the character of the discussion," Raskin says. "We're going through wrenching cultural change here, in the legislature and in society."

But Muse, while framing the issue as one of civil rights, sees efforts at changing the law to be a threat to the primacy of church teachings. "I believe God loves everyone," he said on the radio (he didn't return my calls.) "But at the same time, I need to stand for what I believe in as a Christian."

Yet Muse has left himself wriggle room. "The state legalizes a number of things that the church does not," he said, citing religious teachings against gambling and alcohol. When many of his colleagues voted to support slots, Muse stood against expanding state-sponsored gambling.

On marriage, as a minister, he sees no possible retreat. As a senator, he is scrambling for an out. Which may be why he has been calling for a statewide referendum on civil unions. "Put it to the voters," he said.

You might call that letting the people decide. Or you might call it passing the buck. But hey, what's in a name?

Join me at noon today for "Potomac Confidential" athttp://www.washingtonpost.com/liveonline.

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