Marriage Equality

The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act (SB 565/ HB1055) that would end marriage discrimination for same-sex couples failed to make it out of either the Senate or House committees for the second year. However, the number of co-sponsors of this legislation increased to 53. UULM-MD testified and participated in major events promoting this legislation including the Annual Equality Maryland Lobby Night where UUs were the largest faith group present.

The committees also heard testimony concerning Maryland's Marriage Protection Act (SB 647/HB 913), which proposed a constitutional amendment stating that marriage is only between a man and a woman. HB 913 received an Unfavorable Report by the Judiciary Committee on March 26 by 13-6-1 for the first time. The Senate bill, SB 647, also failed to leave the committee.

Members of the Davies Memorial UU

Church at an Equality Maryland Rally in Annapolis.

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To contact UULM-MD's Marriage Equality Task Force Coordinator, the Rev. Lisa
Ward, write to marriageequality@uulmmd.org

On February 24 th , 2010, Maryland Attorney General issued a ruling that affirms that legal out-of-state and foreign same-sex marriages may be recognized under Maryland state law. To read the Reverand Lisa Ward's letter to the Attorney General, click here .

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.

For a helpful list of basic definitions related to sexual orientation and gender identity, click here.

To read testimony by the Rev. Lisa Ward in favor of ending marriage discrimination against same sex couples, click here. - click here

To read UULM-MD's background statement on marriage equality, click here.

For information on the documentary, For the Bible Tells Me So, click here.

marriage
Revs. Fred Muir and Bill Murry at a rally for marriage equality.

UULM-MD is partially funded by the UU Fund for Social Responsibility.

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Unitarian Univeralist Legislative Ministry of Maryland
c/o Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis
333 Dubois Road | Annapolis, MD 21401
410-266-8044, ext. 111 (phone) | info@uulmmd.org