Md. House Nears Vote On Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Supporters of extending full marriage rights to same-sex couples in Maryland say they are just a few votes shy of success in the House.
The House of Delegates voted Tuesday to delay debate on the issue until Wednesday. House leaders, including Speaker Michael Busch, have told supporters that they must adopt the Senate version of the bill, otherwise the bill will fail this year.
Delegate Luke Clippinger, D-Baltimore, one of the House's six openly gay members, estimated that supporters have close to the 71 votes they need.
If approved, Maryland would become the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. Gov. Martin O'Malley reiterated his support for the measure last week.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
