Md., Va., activists applaud District’s decision to recognize same-sex marriages
The District’s decision earlier this month to recognize marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states has activists in neighboring states paying close attention.
Jon Blair, the chief executive officer of Equality Virginia, told EDGE he feels those who live in suburban Fairfax County and other areas of Northern Virginia will almost certainly welcome the District’s overture to gays and lesbians.
"Quite honestly, that’s one of the best areas for anything GLBT-related," Blair said. "Northern Virginia is already very progressive, very forward-thinking on GLBT issues. The rest of the state, I’m not so sure that (the DC city council vote) matters."
Virginia voters approved a Constitutional amendment in 2006 that defines marriage as between one man and one woman in the state constitution. Governor Tim Kaine, a Democrat, opposed the amendment but has publicly voiced his opposition to same-sex marriage. Gubernatorial candidate Brian Moran has said one of his top priorities would be to repeal the amendment if elected.
Blair conceded he feels the prospect of marriage for same-sex couples in the state is a long way off. He added, however, he is encouraged by the passage of marriage bills in Maine and other states in recent weeks.
"Between Maine and Washington, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Iowa, I think there is momentum which will have an impact on the way Virginians think on these types of issues," Blair said.
Across the Potomac River in Maryland, activists continue to refine their messages about marriage for same-sex couples.
"It’s such an absolutely exciting time right now with the tide of public opinion," Kate Runyon, executive director of Equality Maryland, said.
The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony in March on a bill that would legalize marriage for same-sex couples in the state. Governor Martin O’Malley, a Democrat, signed laws that banned discrimination based on gender identity and expression while mayor of Baltimore. He routinely participated in Pride celebrations and actively courted gay and lesbian Marylanders during his gubernatorial campaign, but he provided little public support to this bill and other LGBT-specific pieces of proposed legislation before Annapolis lawmakers.
O’Malley also stated he feels the state should not tell "any faith how to define its sacraments" in response to the state Court of Appeals’ decision last year to uphold Maryland’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples.
