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Medical Decision Bill Advances
Sen. Robert J. Garagiola is the lead sponsor of the medical decision-making bill.
(Courtesy Of Robert J. Garagiola)
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"If the House did take a vote, [same-sex marriage] would pass," said Del. Benjamin S. Barnes (D-Prince George's), the lead sponsor of the House bill.
Many lawmakers remain uncomfortable with the issue, though. On the Senate floor yesterday, Republicans said that allowing an unmarried couple who have been partners only a short time to trump parents or children in crucial life-and-death medical decisions struck them as irresponsible.
"How far are we going to go?" asked Sen. Alex X. Mooney (R-Frederick). "Let's not put domestic partners above the family. Let's put them after."
Some advocates are taking the long view.
"The Senate is a microcosm of society," said Jamie B. Raskin (D-Montgomery), a co-sponsor of the bill. "I think our views are moving in the right direction."
He cited Madaleno as a presence who has dispelled many myths. Madaleno and his partner have two children.
"Rich is a perfectly normal and sometimes boring guy who likes to talk a lot about the minutiae of the state budget," Raskin said. "He dispels a lot of people's prejudices and anxieties about how gay people live."
