Cosponsor The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act

A marriage license brings with it hundreds of state protections that same-sex couples in Maryland are denied. With the Court of Appeals failing to end this discrimination, the struggle to win the freedom to marry for same-sex couples now turns to our elected officials in Annapolis.

We have lined up our chief sponsors (Sen. Britt and Delegates Barnes and Ramirez) for the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, but we need you to ask your legislators to sign on as co-sponsors.

Edit the below text to tell your state legislators about your family and why ending discrimination in marriage is important to you.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Why Civil Marriage is Important to Me

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am a constituent who recognizes the dignity and worth of all Maryland families and I support expanding marriage to include same-sex couples. I urge you to co-sponsor and support The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, sponsored by Sen. Britt and Dels. Barnes and Ramirez.

This bill also explicitly affirms that no religion or clergy would be required to perform or recognize these marriages. Visit http://www.equalitymaryland.org/pdfs/rfcmpa.pdf to read the language of the bill. At issue here is civil marriage - a marriage license given out by the County Clerk.

Marriage provides hundreds of state-level protections and responsibilities and is essential to strengthening families and helping children. The only way to end discrimination in marriage is to do just that - end discrimination in marriage and support this important piece of legislation.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
October 04, 2007

Background Information

The denial of marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Maryland means the denial of hundreds of vital protections that many different-sex married couples take for granted. These basic protections include medical decision-making rights, funeral decisions, property ownership rights and inheritance rights. The easiest way to remedy this discrimination is to expand the marriage laws of Maryland to include same-sex couples.

What can you do about it?
The freedom to marry for same-sex couples depends on you. Send a note to your legislators now asking them to cosponsor and support the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act. Tell them about your family and why marriage equality is important to you. If you're a straight ally, tell them why you support the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.

To learn more visit Equality Maryland.