Maryland marriage language

Timothy Kincaid

August 23rd, 2012

The language that will be on the Maryland ballot this November will be:

Establishes that Maryland’s civil marriage laws allow gay and lesbian couples to obtain a civil marriage license, provided they are not otherwise prohibited from marrying; protects clergy from having to perform any particular marriage ceremony in violation of their religious beliefs; affirms that each religious faith has exclusive control over its own theological doctrine regarding who may marry within that faith; and provides that religious organizations and certain related entities are not required to provide goods, services, or benefits to an individual related to the celebration or promotion of marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.

The only thing I could think of to add would be: “and does not mean that your little daughter will learn that she can marry a princess”. Otherwise it pretty much leaves anti-gays with little to argue.

MattNYC

August 23rd, 2012

I like it. I was assuming they’d use “same sex” or “same gender” instead of G&L, but I think this actually dilutes the “ick” factor for anyone who immediately cringes at the word “sex.”

Mark F.

August 23rd, 2012

Good language.

MattNYC

August 23rd, 2012

Er, actually, with more thought–not to split hairs–maybe using “gay and lesbian” couples is not specific enough. I’m not a lawyer, but I bet if the anti-gays lose, they will try to argue that it doesn’t define what a gay or lesbian couple is. Unless the code underlying this proposed law does include it already.

JFE

August 23rd, 2012

@Matt My thoughts exactly, although that better not happen, since, if this passes, we will have gotten it through two houses of legislature AND a majority of citizens to vote for a right of the minority, something that has not happened in American history. I mean, seriously, how many more hoops do we have to jump through?

Timothy Kincaid

August 23rd, 2012

This referendum does not establish law. It simply validates the law that the legislature already passed. The language that is relevant is the language in Maryland’s marriage bill and that is not ambiguous.

MattNYC

August 23rd, 2012

Timothy,

Thanks for the clarification :)

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