Same-sex marriage bill passes in the Free State

Maryland became one step closer to joining the ranks of seven other states and Washington, D.C. on Friday when the state’s House of Delegates passed their same-sex marriage bill.

After a two-day delay, the house finally passed the Civil Marriage Protection Act legislation sponsored by Gov. Martin O’Malley by a 72-67 margin. It now moves into the state Senate for a final vote.

“I think the fact that the legislation passed in the House is a great first step and I really hope it will become law,” said 21-year-old Lindsey Cohen, a senior psychology major at the University of Maryland.

Similarly, University of Maryland student Lamar Rogers says he is “very happy” the legislation passed in the House of Delegates, but while this is a huge step for the state, he says would rather see federal efforts made.

“Congress should make an amendment stating that marriage is equal no matter what gender your partner is,” the junior government and politics major said. “The federal government should take action and fight for the equality of all people, including the minority who doesn't necessary have enough numbers to fight the majority.”

USA TODAY reported that delegates rejected amendments to create civil unions, allow parents to opt out of education programs that address same-sex relationships, limit marriage for gay couples over 18 and to put the measure directly on the ballot.

The state was unable to pass a similar bill last year when it was introduced in the House of Delegates. Many students -- such as Rogers -- traveled to the state capital to garner the support of lawmakers.

Rogers says he traveled to Annapolis with other students to rally for same-sex marriage Feb. 13 with his university’s One Project and LGBT Equity Center for Lobby Day. Among those speaking at the event were Equality Maryland, the Human Rights Campaign and O’Malley.

“It was very powerful seeing the political process (and human progress) play out right in front of my eyes,” Rogers said.

Like many other students, Rogers had the opportunity to contact delegates to gain votes for the same-sex marriage bill.

“I mostly thanked delegates for their support,” said Rogers. “Sam Arora was one of the delegates who was heavily contacted through the power of social media. He was a Delegate that was uncertain to vote yes or no, and there was a huge push on Facebook for people to contact him on Friday during the hearings.”

Despite their efforts, Arora still voted against the same-sex marriage bill Friday. The passing of this bill comes within hours of a similar bill’s rejection in New Jersey by Republican Gov. Chris Christie.

Among the states to allow same sex marriage are: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and -- most recently -- Washington, which signed its same-sex marriage bill into law Feb. 13 that will take effect in June.

The legislation now rests in the hands of the Maryland Senate, which approved the bill last year.

“I firmly believe that the Senate will pass the legislation again this year. Especially with the momentum of the House passing it and the full support of Governor O'Malley,” Rogers said.

“Although I do think that the bill will go to referendum, with huge public support from grassroots organizations like Equality Maryland and HRC, hopefully Marylanders will do what’s right and keep equality in marriage.”

Kara Rose is a Spring 2012 USA TODAY Collegiate Correspondent. Learn more about her here.

This story originally appeared on the USA TODAY College blog, a news source produced for college students by student journalists. The blog closed in September of 2017.