Maryland could achieve marriage equality in the next couple months.<\/p>\n
Details follow. But in case you're short on time, I'll cut to the chase: if you want to help the cause financially, go donate to Equality Maryland<\/a>. (You don't have to live in Maryland, but maybe you do have to live in the US; I'm not sure about that.)<\/p>\n Background, current status, and forthcoming action:<\/p>\n The Maryland state legislature is considering a same-sex marriage bill right now. News reports are saying that the vote is going to be close<\/a> in the state Senate: they need twenty-four votes to pass the bill, and they've got twenty confirmed, with six state Senators remaining undecided or not publicly saying how they'll vote.<\/p>\n If the bill passes the Senate, it's expected to pass in the state House of Delegates, and the new governor has said he'll sign it.<\/p>\n So getting through the Senate is, for now, the hard part. <\/p>\n At the moment, the bill is in the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which seems likely to send it to a vote of the full Senate<\/a>. (That's a lovely article, featuring a couple of state Senators who used to oppose marriage equality but have come around to supporting it.)<\/p>\n But there are no guarantees. The committee is holding a public hearing<\/a> this coming Tuesday, February 8. If you are a Marylander who supports marriage equality, consider signing up<\/a> to attend the hearing.<\/p>\n Also, February 14 will be Equality Maryland Lobby Day<\/a>, featuring a rally at the state house and meetings with legislators.<\/p>\n But NOM and other groups<\/a> are, of course, fighting to stop marriage equality in Maryland.<\/p>\n