WHAT'S NEXT

Urge Maryland's Attorney General to Recognize Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriages
  1. Signatures
    810 out of 1,000
    Petitioning
    1. Maryland Attorney General (Douglas Gansler)
  2. Created By
    Michael Jones
    Boston, MA
About this Petition Petition Letter
How We Won

Feb 24, 2010

Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler has finally ruled on the question of whether his State could legally recognize same-sex marriages that are performed out-of-state in places where gay marriage is legal.

Gansler's opinion came after months and months of waiting -- and more than 800 emails from Change.org members urging him to recognize out-of-state legal same-sex marriages. According to Gansler, though views on same-sex marriage might be diverse, personal beliefs shouldn't influence the law. 

Kudos to Attorney General Gansler. It took too long for this decision to come down, but now that it's here, it can be celebrated as an opinion that recognizes the inherent goodness and legitimacy of same-sex relationships.

Thank you to everyone who helped by signing this petition!

UPDATE: On February 24, Maryland's Attorney General issued an opinion that advocates for Maryland to recognize out-of-state gay marriages. While his opinion is not binding law, it does serve as a good prediction for how the Court or the legislature might rule on the issue. It's an important first step. Thanks to all who have taken action and sent letters to the Maryland Attorney General's office! For more information, click here.

In the coming weeks, Maryland's Attorney General, Douglas Gansler, is expected to issue a decision on whether the state of Maryland can recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.  While this would not make same-sex marriage legal in Maryland, it would allow the state to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples from states where marriage equality is on the books (currently Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and Maine, as well as the roughly 18,000 same-sex marriages that are legally recognized in California). 

This is an important first step for recognizing marriage equality in Maryland.  Please, email Attorney General Gansler and urge him to decide in favor of recognizing out-of-state same-sex marriages in Maryland. 

Recent Signatures

Please recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages

Dear Attorney General Gansler

In the coming weeks, your office is expected to rule on whether Maryland will recognize same-sex marriages that are performed in states where same-sex marriage is legal.  As the movement for marriage equality continues to grow across the country, I urge you to move Maryland in the direction of equal rights, and allow the state to recognize out-of-state same sex marriages.

There's solid precedent behind taking this action, as well.  Already, New York and the District of Columbia recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states.  The Attorney General of Rhode Island has also advised state agencies to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages. 

It is in the best interests of Maryland to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.  Not only is this a step toward the direction of civil rights, studies have also shown that recognizing marriage equality comes with positive economic impacts, too.  Please allow Maryland to become the next state to recognize same-sex marriages conducted outside of its borders.

[Your name]

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