ACLU Remains Committed to Winning Equality for Same-Sex Couples Despite Heartbreaking House Vote

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org

ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland House of Delegates today failed to pass a bill allowing same-sex couples to marry, and recommitted the bill to the House Judiciary Committee. The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Maryland have worked to pass SB 116, and each of its predecessors in prior years, and has consistently sought to achieve full equality for lesbian and gay Marylanders.

The following can be attributed to Melissa Goemann, Legislative Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland:

“This is a sad day for all Marylanders who care about equality and justice. We will continue to fight for fairness for all families, and will work for the day when Maryland finally stands on the right side of history.

“We are heartsick that the House was not able to move the bill forward to the governor’s desk. The ACLU is grateful to all of the legislators who had the courage of their convictions and voted for equality, and particularly to those who worked tirelessly to shepherd the bill through both chambers. The Senate’s passage of the bill was a historic milestone in Maryland, and we get closer and closer with each passing year. We have faith that love, fairness, and equality will prevail in the end, and we will redouble our efforts to hasten that day.”