BREAKING: Maryland House Judiciary Advances Marriage Equality Bill 12-10

After fighting off a myriad of poison pill amendments put forward by the GOP, the Maryland House Judiciary Committee has just advanced its marriage equality bill to the full chamber. Equality Maryland sends this press release:

“Marriage provides a critical safety net for families. With this favorable vote from the committee on SB 116, we're one step closer to providing not only the same benefits, but also the respect and dignity to the thousands of gay and lesbian couples in Maryland. From every corner of the state, Marylanders have made it clear that a majority favor marriage equality. We remain cautiously optimistic about the upcoming vote on the House floor. Equality Maryland is counting on every person who supports ending the exclusion of loving same sex couples from marriage to contact their delegates and be counted in this fight to bring equality to the Free State."

JMG reader and openly gay House Delegate Luke Clippinger: "This is another important step on the road to marriage equality. I'm proud to be on the Judiciary Committee so as to be able to cast this vote - I'm pleased to be part of passing this important piece of legislation."

Among the failed GOP ploys were amendments allowing polygamous and incestuous marriages. The full Maryland House vote should take place next week.