Same-Sex Marriage Bill Likely Dead this Session

ANNAPOLIS -- The House of Delegates balked Friday at a proposal that would legalize same-sex marriage, sending it back to the Judiciary Committee after more than two hours of debate, and likely killing it for 2011.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Joseph Vallario made the motion to recommit the bill to committee. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Friday's action caps a week of uncertainty over the bill in the House. The full House preliminarily approved the measure Wednesday after supporters successfully beat back four amendments.

Delegate Heather Mizeur, D-Montgomery, one of the General Assembly's openly gay lawmakers, said supporters were not sure they had enough votes to pass the measure. Same-sex marriage is likely dead until 2012.

The Senate passed the measure two weeks ago by a 25-21 vote with relatively little conflict, setting up what many around the State House felt would be a smooth ride through the House - traditionally the more liberal of the two chambers. But lobbying by religious organizations, especially African-American churches, may have turned the tide.

"The black churches are asking us not to call it marriage, pass civil unions," said Delegate Cheryl Glenn, D-Baltimore, as she argued against the bill on the floor of the House.

Others said they were willing to pay the consequences of voting for the bill.

"If this costs me my election, I'm proud to have supported this piece of legislation," said Delegate Justin Ross, D-Prince George's.