The time has come to grab your tablets, smartphones or one of many beautiful Betterton note cards and tell our State House Delegates to vote yes on HB 438. This past Friday, HB 438, Maryland’s bill to achieve marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples, had a hearing in the House Judiciary and Health & Government Operations Committees. It is expected that the full House of Delegates will be considering this bill very shortly, so your comments are needed ASAP.
Marriage matters to gay people in similar ways that it matters to everyone. Gay and lesbian couples want to get married to make a lifetime commitment to the person they love and to protect their families. Marriage says, “We are family” in a way that no other word does. Marriage is one of the few times where people make a public promise of love and responsibility for each other and ask our friends and family to hold us accountable.
Gay and lesbian couples may seem different from straight couples, but we share similar values - like the importance of family and helping out our neighbors; worries - like making ends meet or the possibility of losing a job; and hopes and dreams - like finding that special someone to grow old with, and standing in front of friends and family to make a lifetime commitment.
Does this change the definition of marriage?
No. Allowing committed gay and lesbian couples to get married does not change the meaning of marriage. It simply allows same-sex couples to marry the person they love, to establish and protect a family, and to make a lifetime commitment in the same way other couples are able to.
What defines a marriage is love and commitment, and the ability to protect your family.
It’s as basic as the Golden Rule. Treating others as one would want to be treated includes allowing marriage for gay couples who are truly committed to each other. Most straight couples would never want someone telling them they couldn’t marry, and when they think about it, many say they wouldn’t want to deny that for anyone else.
How would gay and lesbian couples marry?
All couples who marry in the United States must get a license for a civil marriage, usually at a courthouse or city hall. These civil marriages would also be available to same-sex couples. Some couples also choose to marry in a religious setting if permitted by their religious institution.
Does civil marriage for gay and lesbian couples affect churches or other religious institutions? What if my religion opposes same-sex relationships?
Civil marriage for gay couples does not affect religious marriages, religious institutions or clergy in any way. No religion would be forced to marry same-sex couples, or recognize same-sex marriages within the context of their religious beliefs.
Aren't there other alternatives to marriage for gay couples?
There have been attempts to create marriage-like relationship systems, but they don’t provide the same security and protections. In many states, same-sex couples that have domestic partnerships have been barred from a dying partner’s bedside, and denied the ability to say goodbye to the person they love. That just doesn’t happen when you’re married. Civil unions and domestic partnerships create a second-class status that often does not work in emergency situations when people need it most. In hospital emergency rooms, funeral homes, and when discussing benefits with employers, everyone understands the protections and responsibilities that marriage provides.
This information and more can be found at Equality Maryland or by calling
Delegate Stephen Hershey
Phone:(410) 841-3543
Fax: (410) 841-3098
Delegate Jay Jacobs
Phone: (410) 841-3449
Fax: (410) 841-3093
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| Jay Jacobs |
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| Art Hershey |
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| Mike Smigiel |
Have a Happy Valentine's Day Betterton
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