MARYLAND: Majority Support Marriage

A just-released poll reveals that a slim majority of Maryland residents now support same-sex marriage.

According to Annapolis-based pollster Gonzales Research, 51 percent of Maryland residents support gay marriage. Endorsements break down along party lines, with 65 percent of Democrats and 52 percent of independents favoring same-sex marriage, while only 24 percent of Republicans back the concept. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percent. Maryland has a de facto form of legal civil union. Employers must offer benefits to same-sex domestic partners of employees. Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler has issued an opinion that Maryland must recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.

A joint press conference in support of Maryland's marriage equality bill is being held today by leaders of the state Senate and House.