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Maryland Passes Limited Rights for Gay Couples

Timothy Kincaid

April 9th, 2008

In January I posted about a poll of Maryland citizens in which 58% supported either marriage equality or civil unions. Noting that the Democratic Party had substantial controll over the legislative and executive branches of government, I called on the state to fulfill their duty to their constituents - both gay and straight - and provide those protections to same-sex couples that they supported.

Sadly, what followed was a series of bills, each weaker than the last, that illustrated a lack of support on the part of leadership in both houses.

Well the legislative session has come to an end and the gay community has received some tiny measure of recognition.

Laureen Brunelli reports

Though a gay marriage bill failed, bills that extend rights, regarding, property tax transfers and medical and burial decisions to domestic partners including same-sex couples.

365gay reports that Gov. Martin O’Malley intends on signing the changes.

It appears that the other partial-rights bill, providing inheritance, was just too costly to the state.

Although these provisions are about the least possible, we celebrate their passage and gladly welcome Maryland into the family of states that provide recognition and protection for those families headed by persons of the same sex. And although we did not receive protection equal to that granted to heterosexual couples, we have hopes that gay Marylanders can encourage their representatives to build on the provisions granted and add those protections that are needed.

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queerunity
April 9th, 2008 | LINK

one step at a time, equality never comes easy

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