“Every day same-sex couples are denied their right to marry is another day of injustice for them and their families.” – The New York Times
We’ve been doing commitment ceremonies at Chase Court since we opened in 2002. We believe that everyone has the right to love who they choose, without regard to gender; to embrace their own spirituality; and to celebrate their union in whatever manner they choose. Our brides and grooms and brides and brides and grooms and grooms have jumped the broom, called the quarters, been bound in the ceremonial knot of handfasting, heard the Sheva Brachot, worn kimono and Hanbok and Renaissance garb, all with our support and encouragement.
The State of Maryland stands on the verge of making same-sex marriage the law of the land. In the stroke of a pen, the lives of many, many Marylanders will change dramatically. The not-quite-there of, ‘commitment ceremony’ will give way to ‘wedding,’ performed and sanctioned right here in Maryland. It will be wonderful.
The State Senate has passed the bill, which is called The Civil Marriage Protection Act, and the House of Delegates is preparing to vote on it. Governor O’Malley has promised to sign it. But passage of the bill in the House is far from certain, and even then, opponents may force a referendum.
If you believe that same-sex couples that want to be wed should have the same rights under Maryland law as heterosexual couples, this is the time to act on what you believe. Call or write your state delegate and let your voice be heard. They all have e-mail. It takes but a few minutes to ask for their support. —David
