Maryland Politics: House panel passes same-sex marriage bill

[Recursion]

Source: Washington Post

A previously stalled bill to allow same-sex marriages in Maryland was approved by a House committee Friday, but only after the panel's chairman, who rarely votes, augmented the final tally.

The 12-to-10 vote by the House Judiciary Committee sends the bill to the floor next week for what is expected to be a dramatic debate on the highest-profile issue being considered in the General Assembly this year. Twelve votes were needed from the panel for a favorable recommendation.

The Senate approved the bill 25 to 21 last week, and Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has encouraged the House to follow suit.

The committee vote came after an amendment to offer civil unions to gay couples instead of marriage failed on a 10-to-10 vote. The amendment was offered by Del. Tiffany T. Alston (D-Prince George's), a co-sponsor of the original same-sex marriage bill.

Read more: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2011/03/house_panel_passes_same-sex_ma.html

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Go Old Line State!

[LonePirate]

1. Why was the vote so close if Dems hold a 98-43 majority in the chamber?

Please tell me that final passage is a done deal since Dems can still lose 27 votes and the bill will still pass.

It's no wonder change is slow to come to this country when we can't pass bedrock Democratic legislation even with a more than 2-1 majority. Republicans attempt to pass every radical and regressive thought of theirs when they have a one vote majority - and they usually succeed. Surely the Dems with a 55 vote majority can pass this bill.

[Unvanguard]

2. Because Maryland Democrats are far from united in support.

And because the opposition has been depressingly effective.

[Solomon]

3. Familiar story isn't it?

[Grateful for Hope]

4. K&R

[SkyDaddy7]

5. EXCELLENT!! nt.