A new tack for gay rights

Concerned that they won't be able to muster the votes for a comprehensive bill on same-sex unions this year, state lawmakers are considering a tactical shift toward legislation that would grant a number of rights to gay and lesbian couples but stop short of full-fledged marriage or civil unions.

Such a bill would create a legal relationship for gay and lesbian couples that confers as many as possible of the several hundred rights granted to married couples under state law.

"We're looking at a smaller basket of rights and benefits," said Sen. Jamie Raskin, a Montgomery County Democrat. "We champions of gay and lesbian couples prefer civil marriage. We'll start with all those rights and benefits and work our way down." A new tack for gay rights
Baltimore Sun, United States