Maryland Steps Closer to Marriage Equality
I just got off of a conference call with Maryland's Attorney General. Mr. Gansler wanted to talk firsthand with Equality Florida and other leaders in the marriage equality movement to explain the significance of his just published opinion that Maryland could recognize out-of-state marriages.
While his decision does not have the force of law, is will serve as a guide for judges and state agencies when addressing marriage equality issues. Gansler also mentioned that he believes it is "likely" that the Maryland Supreme Court, with three new justices appointed by a progressive Governor, would now recognize a constitutional right to marriage equality.
I'm pasting below an article from the Baltimore Sun that explains the details and the importance of today's opinion.
Brian
Gansler says Md. could recognize same-sex marriages
Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler on Wednesday morning released a long-awaited opinion saying same-sex marriages performed in other states could be recognized by Maryland's legal system.
Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr., a Democrat, asked in May asked if such marriages could be recognized. "The answer to that question is clearly 'yes,'" Gansler wrote in a 40-page document.
The opinion does not enable same-sex couples to wed here. It also does not carry the weight of law, but is meant to guide judges and state agencies.
"What we say in this opinion is a prediction, not a prescription" as to how a court would interpret the law, Gansler wrote.
