The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act (SB 290 & HB 351) did not come to a vote in committee, but it did garner major support--including 7 lead sponsors and 42 co-sponsors. Legislators and advocates plan to introduce this legislation again next year.

In contrast to the major support for civil marriage equality this year, there was little support for legislation to create a constitutional amendment that limits marriage to heterosexual couples. HB 1345 and SB 169 died in committee.

Two steps toward civil rights for same-sex couples were taken during the session.  A bill protecting hospital visitation and medical decision-making rights for domestic partners passed, and a bill exempting domestic partners from recordation and transfer taxes passed.

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For more information on these and other issues related to the civil right of same-sex couples,
go to Equality Maryland.

Click here for talking points on marriage equality.

Approximately 50 UUs from 10 congregations across the state met at the UU Church of Annapolis prior to the Equality Maryland Lobby Day events on February 11.  Participants heard inspirational words from Rev. Lisa Ward, gathered information about the bill and their legislators’ stances on it, and shared tips for effective advocacy.  Then they joined almost 500 people (at least 100 were UUs, including 55 who arrived on the Cedar Lane Freedom to Marry bus!) to rally on Lawyer’s Mall and meet with their legislators.  Thanks to all who participated!

For more information on this issue, please contact us at marriageequality@uulmmd.org

UULM-MD is funded in part by the Fund for UU Social Responsibility and the UU Service Committee.

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Unitarian Univeralist Legislative Ministry of Maryland
c/o Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis
333 Dubois Road | Annapolis, MD 21401
410.353.5904 (phone) | info@uulmmd.org