Maryland set to introduce Marriage Equality bill

{jcomments off}The American state of Maryland is to introduce a bill for Marriage Equality.

The state’s Democratic governor, Martin O’Malley, has introduced another bill to try and bring marriage equality to Maryland. It’s not the first time the Democratic Governor has tried to introduce state legislation on gay marriage but a previous attempt in 2011 failed. This time around though the bill has been carefully worded so it has protections for religious organisations that do not wish to conduct gay marriage ceremonies.

O’Malley won a second term two years ago with promises of working towards enacting marriage equality in Maryland. Last year he warned that while such a battle was winnable it would likely take time to achieve. It’s therefore hoped the new bill, which will allow religious bodies not to conduct ceremonies if they do not wish to, will be more successful.

The bill comes as gay marriage is on the national agenda because of the stance on it taken by the Republican presidential candidates. Hopefuls such as Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney are opposed to gay marriage and have stated they would amend the American constitution to ban same-sex marriages. Santorum caused upset with comments he made in New Hampshire when he said marriage was a “privilege” and not a “right” and therefore should not be given to gay couples.

Despite the opposition from Republicans though the cause for gay marriage in America is on the rise; New York legalised it last year and Washington State and others are now debating such moves. High profile Hollywood stars such as Anne Hathaway and Clint Eastwood have also spoken of their support for same-sex marriages.