The League of Women Voters of Maryland supports the proposed legislation which would allow state sanctioned, legally recognized unions which convey rights, benefits and obligations to same-sex partners who seek such unions. Under Maryland law, marriage is a bundle tying together rights and responsibilities. These rights and responsibilities govern not just the relationship of the partners but also affect dependent children, medical care providers, employers, and the community at large. The law of marriage ensures that a person claiming the rights of marriage also is bound by its responsibilities. The League feels that the people of Maryland would be better served by authorizing an expansion of marriage eligibility. In keeping with the principle of separation of church and state, the League prefers making the basis of state recognition of all marriages/civil unions a civil proceeding, with an additional step of marriage in accordance with religious traditions a voluntary option.

References

Bill: 

LWVMD Position: 

Equality of Opportunity (Civil Marriage)

LWV Study: 

Study: Benefits and Burdens of Marriage Under Maryland Law

Off Site References: 

Info about SB 290

SB 290