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Maryland
In 2007, Maryland lawmakers killed an attempt to write marriage discrimination into the state constitution for the fourth consecutive year. Just as Marylanders are succeeding in protecting their constitution, they are also fighting 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.
FROM EVAN WOLFSON:
"Marriage Makes a Word of
Difference"
Originally published by
Portland Mercury
June 14, 2007
By Evan Wolfson
Evan Wolfson answers the question so often asked of same-sex
couples wanting to end their exclusion from marriage, "Why
can't you just call it something else?," by explaining how
the "clarity, security, and dignity [of the word marriage] is
precious and irreplaceable."
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WHERE YOU CAN GO TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE:
Equality Maryland
Equality Maryland is Maryland's largest LGBT civil rights group, with
thousands of members across the entire state. Equality Maryland works
to secure and protect the rights of LGBT Marylanders by promoting
legislative initiatives on the state, county and municipal levels.
ACLU-Maryland: Civil Marriage Equality
The Maryland ACLU works to ensure that all people in the state of
Maryland are free to think and speak as they choose and can lead their
lives free from discrimination and unwarranted government intrusion.
Maryland Black Family Alliance
The Maryland Black Family Alliance is a coalition of Black families
and leaders. They are people of many faiths. They stand for fairness,
justice and equality for all families.
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LEGISLATIVE STATUS IN MARYLAND:
Your Community—Maryland
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
HRC presents resources, news, and the current marriage and
relationship recognition laws in each state.
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PUBLICATIONS:
Maryland Census Snapshot
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this report provides demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in Maryland.
Geographic Trends Among Same-Sex Couples in the U.S. Census and the
American Community Survey
Williams Institute
November 2007
Gary Gates at the Williams Institute released groundbreaking research
on the geographic trends among same-sex couples. The report finds the
biggest increases in Southern and Mountain states and states barring
legal acceptance of same-sex couples had larger percentage increases
in same-sex couples from 2000 to 2006.
Marriage Inequality in the State of Maryland
Equality Maryland
February 2006
Equality Maryland reviewed the Maryland Code for provisions that
discriminated against same-sex couples based on marital status or the
definition of family. Their review found more than 425 provisions that
disparately treat or unambiguously discriminate against same-sex
couples, who are unable to marry.
What's in a Word? A Religious Perspective on Civil Marriage Equality
Equality Maryland
This brochure was produced by a group of clergy who support marriage
for same-sex couples and who come from a variety of religious traditions. It
is not designed to change anyone's religious beliefs. Rather, the clergy have
come to believe through intimate knowledge of families headed by same-sex
couples that ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from legal
marriage is the morally correct thing to do.
Jumping the Broom
National Black Justice Coalition
2005
An excellent publication released by the National Black Justice
Coalition and Equality Maryland offering a "Black Perspective on Same
Gender Marriage." This important resource includes data, personal
stories, and quotes in support of ending discrimination in marriage
from African American leaders across the country.
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NEWS:
View news about the fight for the freedom to marry in Maryland.
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MULTIMEDIA:
VIDEO: Baltimore church shows support for gay couples
WJZ
February 11, 2007
In an effort to show their support for equal rights, the congregation
and ministers unveiled a banner saying they support civil marriage.
"We support them, some of us are them and we support them as human
beings, because all of us have inherent worth and dignity," said
Allison Farnam.
Heart of the Matter: Maryland's Same-Sex Couples Seek Justice for
their Families
Equality Maryland & ACLU
August 17, 2006
Equality Maryland and the ACLU, in partnership with the Megaphone
Project, released this documentary featuring the personal stories of
three of the couples in Maryland's equal marriage rights lawsuit,
Deane & Polyak v. Conaway.
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Williams Institute
November 2007
Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this report provides demographic and economic information about same-sex couples and same-sex couples raising children in Maryland.
An excellent publication released by the National Black Justice
Coalition and Equality Maryland, Jumping the Broom offers a "Black Perspective on Same
Gender Marriage." This important resource includes data, personal
stories, and quotes in support of ending discrimination in marriage
from African American leaders across the country.
Equality Maryland and the ACLU, in partnership with the Megaphone
Project, released this documentary featuring the personal stories of
three of the couples in Maryland's equal marriage rights lawsuit, Deane & Polyak v. Conaway.
