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Senate Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Law goes to governor for signature and a likely referendum challenge.

The Maryland State Senate passed same-sex marriage by a 25-22 vote Thursday night.

The passage of the bill comes less than a week after the House of Delegates passed the identical bill.

The bill now goes to Gov. Martin O'Malley for his signature.

The law, which goes into effect January 1, 2013 is expected to face a referendum challenge and could end up on the November ballot along with the bill that grants in-state tuition rates to some children of illegal immigrants.

Here's how senators voted in Carroll County:

  • David Brinkley, R, 4, No
  • Joseph Getty, R, 5, No
  • Allan Kittleman, R, 9, Yes
County Citizen February 24, 2012 at 12:49 am
Amen. So proud of our government for a change! Equality for all, as it should be. I don't see a referendum changing this, though it's scary to think that it could. Will need to encourage all to get to vote, if only on this issue alone! But for now, will enjoy the victory and progress towards equality. :)
Rick February 24, 2012 at 01:14 am
Great news for all! Finally in our state love and commitment is recognized for everyone, which is a wonderful thing. We need more love in this world today, and three cheers to Maryland for helping strengthen the bonds between all types of people. Our differences make us interesting, our common denominator of kindness and love keeps us strong as a nation. Let's hope this trend continues.
Native February 24, 2012 at 03:06 am
Allan, I'm disappointed in you. Two steps forward, three steps back.
JoeEldersburg February 24, 2012 at 04:36 am
Actually I'm very proud of Allan Kittleman and he is the only Carroll Senator with a brain in his head and a conscience that is above political manipulation. He stood up for homosexuals the same way his father, the late Sen. Robert Kittleman stood up for minorities and people's civil rights, as a member of the NAACP. Discrimination and bigotry are wrong, irrespective of any voting majority or particular faith's position. We may be free to discriminate in our own churches, but we are a nation of laws and religion does not trump civil rights when it comes to matters of the state.
Rick February 24, 2012 at 01:28 pm
Well said! Great to see such positive and supportive attitudes for our nation of diversity. There is much strength in acceptance and understanding and much weakness in bigotry and discrimination. THAT is what we need to be teaching our children.
withavengeance February 24, 2012 at 02:57 pm
@ Paul: Not if...it WILL go to referendum.
Think I'm gonna marry my cat, ROFL!
Rick February 24, 2012 at 04:13 pm
So if you are ugly you should not get married? That would sure cut back on the cost of weddings wouldn't it? I was brought up to believe that love between two people is a good thing. And we could sure use more of it in this country. Too bad you don't see things that way.
Rick February 24, 2012 at 04:18 pm
But will your cat want to marry you? That is the big question.
Native February 24, 2012 at 05:02 pm
Ok, lets look at this another way. There are obviously 2 camps in this argument, those advocating gay marriage, abortion, & no hint of religion in Carroll County government. On the other side of the fence are those opposed to those points of view. No problem. However, how about a little compromise here. All you liberals have obtained a majority of what you've wanted here lately, so now it's time to give a little. I expect you to celebrate diversity & support a few conservative issues. For starters, we sure could use a concealed carry law in this state. Lets get that ball rolling!
EBurger February 24, 2012 at 06:53 pm
There will be some long lines this November; not to vote for President, but to vote on the referendums against gay marriage(Civil Marriage Protection Act) and against tuition discounts for illegal immigrants (MD. Dream Act). Gotta love the names! Then maybe the Gov can focus on Marylanders, and not the White House.
S&W February 24, 2012 at 08:20 pm
DITTO!!
WatchingInMtAiry February 25, 2012 at 02:10 am
That would be animal cruelty Pam.
withavengeance February 27, 2012 at 03:34 pm
DITTO!
withavengeance February 27, 2012 at 03:36 pm
Then I'll marry my dad.

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Jackie April 25, 2013 at 10:15 pm
Best wishes to her.
Lisa Barry April 27, 2013 at 01:04 pm
Eludius, she does not read online newspapers. I don't think she even knows the Patch exists, so sheRead More will not see it :)
Lisa Barry April 28, 2013 at 10:19 pm
She doesn't read it. Didn't know if you received my last comment. Thanks