Spousal rights for domestic partners move smoother in General Assembly

Bills establishing gay marriage or civil unions for same-gender couples in Maryland appear dead in State House committees.

But two bills granting rights shared by spouses to “domestic partners” have passed the Senate, and opponents see that as a gradual chipping away of the traditional notion of marriage.

“We don’t have the votes to bring [the civil marriage bill] out of committee,” said Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Chairman Brian Frosh, D-Montgomery.

“What we’ve seen on the floor is about what you’re going to get.”

Del. Heather Mizeur, D-Montgomery, who has a gay partner, said she believed votes existed to get the marriage bill out of the House. Spousal rights for domestic partners move smoother in General Assembly
Baltimore Examiner - Baltimore,MD,