Maryland Marriage Ruling a Major Step for Families
‘Maryland families are one step closer to being able to care and provide for each other the way all families should,’ said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.
WASHINGTON — Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese made the following statement regarding today’s ruling by a Baltimore Circuit Court that Maryland’s statute denying marriage to same-sex couples is unconstitutional under the state constitution.“Maryland families are one step closer to being able to care and provide for each other the way all families should. The ruling is a major step for Maryland families and puts the state on the right track for fairness. We applaud the Court, Equality Maryland and the ACLU of Maryland for pushing for the rights of these plaintiff couples, who, on behalf of all Maryland’s families, are making a strong case for equality.”
Judge Brooke Murdock ruled Jan. 20, 2006, that denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples violates the equal rights amendment of the Maryland Constitution, saying that the state’s arguments for this discrimination fails even a rational basis review. The decision is stayed pending appeal by the state.
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.