Gov. Martin O’Malley signs Maryland referendum, marriage licensing begins
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley addresses the Creating Change conference in Baltimore, Md., earlier this year.
Same-sex couples in Maryland are now able to apply for marriage licenses for January weddings. Today Gov. Martin O’Malley signed the marriage referendum and official papers to open the licensing process. Maryland joins eight other states and the District of Columbia to advance marriage equality. Washington state also began issuing licenses today after Gov. Gregoire signed the marriage equality law yesterday, and Maine will begin issuing licenses on Dec. 29.
After the signing today, Gov. O’Malley stated:
It’s official! Courthouses can now issue licenses to same-sex couples for January weddings. Today is a big step forward for the dignity of every child’s home.
We congratulate the loving and committed couples in Maryland who will finally be able to share in the celebration and responsibilities of marriage!
