Please let Gov. O'Malley know that you appreciate his support for LGBT equality, and that we strongly welcome his leadership in making sure couples who are married - no matter where those marriages took place - can be afforded the same protections and responsibilities here at home.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Thank you so much for your positive comments as to whether or not you favor Maryland recognizing marriages between same-gender couples from other states. As a member of Equality Maryland, I am overjoyed that the possibility of out-of-state marriage recognition may be on the horizon, and I am hopeful full marriage equality will not be far behind.

As a practical legal matter, Maryland should recognize marriages performed from other states here at home, as it does for all other marriages. Equality in marriage recognition would be a crucial step forward for the dignity, citizenship, and basic governmental equity and protection for countless Maryland families, many with children. If the Attorney General finds that Maryland may recognize these marriages, please do all you can to advocate for state agencies and others to honor such an opinion.

I want to thank you for all you have done this year for LGBT Marylanders and our families. I appreciate that you have granted health and retirement benefits for same-sex partners and dependents of state employees and signed into law a bill that eliminates the inheritance tax on jointly owned primary residences for domestic partners. I am also glad you offered written testimony in support of transgender anti-discrimination legislation. Your leadership on these issues makes me feel proud to have you representing me in the Governor's Mansion in Annapolis!

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
July 06, 2009