Third Republican Lawmaker Supports Maryland Marriage Equality Bill, Vote Approaching
In Washington this past week and New York this past year, Republican lawmakers came out in support of marriage equality to help the bills pass. As the vote in Maryland on the Civil Marriage Protection Act of 2012 approaches, a similar pattern is appearing in Annapolis — with three state lawmakers now announced in support of the bill.
On Feb. 14, Del. Bob Costa (R-Anne Arundel County) voted for the bill in committee, saying, “I represent constituents and not a party.”
Today, Del. Wade Kach (R-Baltimore County) announced that he would be supporting the Civil Marriage Protection Act. Marylanders for Marriage Equality, the coalition working to pass the bill, issued a statement.
Carrie Evans of Equality Maryland said, “Delegate Kach wants make all Maryland families stronger — and to ensure all children are protected equally under the law. His support, like Delegate Costa’s earlier this week, underscores how marriage equality is not a partisan issue. Thousands of families in his district and all over the state thank Del. Kach.”
Sen. Allan Kittleman (R-Carroll, Howard counties) was the sole Republican supporting marriage equality last year and, according to Marylanders for Marriage Equality, reaffirmed his unwavering support at a rally in Lawyer’s Mall on Monday evening.
Today, the House recessed until 5:30 p.m., at which time a second reading of the bill is expected and any amendments could be offered. The final vote on the bill could come as early as Friday, Feb. 17.
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