EQMD LOBBY DAY RE-SCHEDULED - Monday, February 22nd
With this practically record breaking snowfall, EQMD is concerned about the safety of our dedicated activists. We hope that you will all mark your calendars and plan to be there!
Maryland is on a short list of states that have the potential to enact truly groundbreaking policy measures in the next couple of years. Lawmakers need to talk with their constituents! Please, plan to join us on Monday, February 22nd. More information soon.
Anti-Marriage Equality Bill Soundly Defeated in House Judiciary Committee
On Wednesday, February 3rd, the Maryland House Judiciary Committee soundly defeated The Same Sex Marriages - Foreign Jurisdictions - Invalidity Act (House Bill 90) by a vote of 12-8. House Bill 90 would have only invalidated marriages between same-sex couples entered into in another state or in a foreign country. Equality Maryland applauds the hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Marylanders and straight allies who took a stand against this harmful legislations with their e-mails and phone calls to members of the House Judiciary Committee. We are especially grateful to the over 50 individuals who made the trip to Annapolis last week for the hearing to express their opposition to this attack on our rights and our families. Click here to read Equality Maryland’s press release on House Bill 90.
MVA Cancels Dangerous Policy Change on Gender Identification
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration has canceled plans to make policy changes, opposed by Equality Maryland, which would have made it more difficult for transgender Marylanders to obtain accurate drivers' licenses. While there is still work to be done to settle this issue for good, we are pleased that the MVA was willing to halt the implementation of this dangerous policy change in order to allow for constructive dialogue. Click here for more information about this good news from the MVA.
Equality Maryland Celebrates Marriage Equality Win in the District
The DC City Council passed a bill on Tuesday that would provide equal marriage rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples living in the District of Columbia. It is hard to imagine that these couples will be entitled to the same legal rights in protections in the District of Columbia, but when their car or metro passes over the border into Maryland they lose those crucial protections for their families. Help keep up the fight for marriage equality here in the Free State by attending our upcoming Lobby Day on February 8th and by supporting Equality Maryland.
Tell Your Story
In anticipation of the Attorney General's opinion on out-of-state marriage recognition, Equality Maryland is still collecting stories of couples who have been legally married in other jurisdictions. Please click here to participate and we'll forward your story onto the Attorney General's office.
Justin B Smith and Dr. Philip B Terry of Laurel, Maryland met a little over 3 years ago in Washington DC at a bar fundraiser. "When I first saw Philip I was immediately taken by him," says Justin, 29. Philip, 44 adds, "I remember seeing this handsome man with a bright broad smile and engaging eyes."