ANNAPOLIS – The path to legalizing gay marriage in Maryland cleared its biggest hurdle Thursday evening when the largely divided state Senate approved a bill allowing same-sex matrimony.
With a contested 25-21 vote, the Senate capped hours of debate that pitted lawmakers proclaiming religious rights versus those arguing for social progress in a move to become the sixth state to allow gay marriage.
“This will be a memorable day that will improve thousands of families around the state,” said openly gay Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr., D-Wheaton, who argued that current law essentially reduces he and his partner to second-rate citizens. “He, in my heart, is my spouse in every sense of the word. To the law, he remains a legal stranger to me.”
The Senate endorsement is the latest victory for gay-rights advocates in a vigorous national debate over recognition of same-sex couples and the benefits they should be awarded.
The bill is expected to be approved in the more liberal House of Delegates, though lawmakers are still trying to round up votes. Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley has vowed to sign off on the measure.
