Maryland, the state I now call home, may be getting closer to becoming the next state to legalize same sex marriages. Well, one step closer, anyway. A case filed by nine same-sex couples earlier this month, aimed at overturning the state law banning same sex marriage, is making progress through the courts.
The Baltimore Circuit Court is preparing to hear oral arguments in the case. An article in the Washington Blade says that oral arguments are scheduled for July 27. However, an email update from Equality Maryland Executive Director Dan Furmansky says that judge in the case has set a deadline of August 1 for amicus briefs and an August 15 deadline for any response from the parties involved. That means oral arguments won’t take place until August 30.
Of course even if the case progresses past this point, overturning Maryland’s law against same-sex marriage will probably be an uphil battle. A victory would most likely prompt a reponse from Maryland lesitlators like State Senator Alexander Mooney, whose recent fundraising letters highlight his vote against the “life partners bill” — which would have granted same sex partners at least some of the rights married couples enjoy — promise that he wil continue to fight against efforts to forward gay and lesbian equality.
So, while this is sigificant first step, gays and lesbians in Maryland probably face a long walk down the aisle. And there will probably be more than few objections before they finally reach the altar.
That’s what we need more legalization of gay marriage to help democrats in 2006 and 2008
I’m not familiar with this litigation, or with Equality Maryland, but I have to admit I get more than a little nervous when I see that Lambda Legal is not involved in a gay marriage lawsuit. They pick their targets very carefully and rarely lose.
Best of luck to the couples.