Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley hosted a breakfast this morning with gay activists and members of the religious community to discuss his bill granting marriage equality to all Marylanders. O'Malley is expected to introduce his marriage equality bill this evening.
His task at this meeting is to ensure religious leaders that they will never be forced to perform a same-sex marriage if they choose not to do so: "If there’s a difference [this year] it will probably be in regard to the respect for religious freedom and making that a little clearer in this bill."
That's how it should be. We argue that marriage is a civil union of two people, not a religious union, so we cannot, should not, will not force any church to participate in a same-sex wedding if they choose to stay out of it. If a gay couple wants to have a religious service, then seek out a church that is willing to perform that ceremony, don't force it on anyone.
Separation of church and state, y'all.
O'Malley's bill passed the Senate last year--and is expected to do so again--but it stalled in the House falling short of the 71 votes needed for passage.
Let's hope that in the past year, those people who chose not to support equality have realized the error of their ways.
Go Maryland!
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They can be number 8 :-)
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