Marriage Legislation 2009

Legislation

Description

Conference Position

2009 Status

Maryland's Marriage Protection Act

A constitutional amendment to protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman. It would prevent additional constitutional challenges to the state’s marriage law, and would need approval by voters in a statewide referendum.

SUPPORT

Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act

Grants same-sex couples the right to marry. The title of the bill is misleading; it would not protect civil marriage, but attempts to redefine it

OPPOSE

Civil unions/ domestic partnership bills

These bills authorize same-sex couples (or in some cases, any two individuals) to enter into civil unions or domestic partnerships in Maryland and grant those relationships legal status that is equivalent to marriage.

OPPOSE

Benefits bills

These bills create a definition of domestic partnerships in law, and give equal status to domestic partners as married couples regarding specific benefits.

OPPOSE