UPDATE:  Gay Community Hopeful Same-Sex Marriage Bill Will Pass

 An enthusiastic gathering of over 500 Marylanders lobbied for legislative support of House Bill 351 (HB 351) also known as The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, on Feb. 11 in Annapolis.

 

 Mary Zicari, the Field Organizer for Equality Maryland told The Bay Net, “The evening began with the rally on Lawyer’s Mall, where you could not help but feel the unity and strength of our calls for equality.”

 The rally was a show of support by the public for equal protection under the law for same-sex couples who would like to marry legally in Maryland and was followed by more than 100 lobby visits with legislators.

 “There were countless heartfelt stories shared with legislators that undoubtedly made an impact on how these lawmakers view the issue of marriage equality,” Zicari explained.

 On Valentine’s Day it was standing room only for the five-hour hearing on HB 351 in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Room.

 Travis Britt, husband of the late Senator Gwendolyn Britt (D – Prince George’s County), was unable to attend but sent in moving testimony on his deceased wife’s behalf.  Included in his testimony was the following statement:

 “As you know, my wife was the original sponsor of the bill, and how I wish she were sitting here today telling you why we need to pass this now.  From the moment I met my dear Gwen she was fighting for fairness and justice and never took a rest.  Gwen never wavered in her belief that all people are created equally, endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, and should be allowed to live free from discrimination, exploitation and fear.  As a deeply religious and convicted person, Gwen always fought hate, bigotry and discrimination in all of its forms.”

 Senator Britt was considered a fervent champion of civil rights.  She passed away in January this year following an apparent cardiac event.

 The bill remains in committee at this time.

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 See first article from Feb. 11, 2008, here.

 
Photos courtesy of Equality Maryland