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From the Associated PressMd. lawmakers define domestic partner
Action tied to health benefits law passed last year; gay marriage ban not affected
by Kristen Wyatt
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Domestic partners in Maryland now have a state definition.
A panel of Maryland lawmakers signed off today on a definition of domestic partners as part of a law passed last year requiring health insurers to offer domestic partner benefits to companies that request them.
The definition of domestic partners -- generally people over 18 "in a committed relationship of mutual interdependence" for at least six months -- does not change the state's law banning same-sex unions. Top lawmakers say it's unlikely that the marriage law will change any time soon.
"The bigger issue is still out there and I think will remain out there," said Del. Anne Healey, D-Prince George's. "There's not enough support to change the status quo one way or the other."
Healey sits on a House-Senate committee required to approve the domestic partner language as part of a law passed last year. The Maryland Insurance Administration was required to define domestic partners in that law.
The definition passed 12-4, though some Republicans argued today against a state definition of domestic partners.
"Are we not promoting what in the past we would call shacking up?" asked Del. Michael Smigiel, R-Cecil. Later, he said, "A domestic partnership is a gay marriage, that's what it is."
The head of the committee, Democratic Sen. Paul Pinsky, told Republican doubters that the law was already passed to require insurers to offer domestic partner coverage, so their arguments were moot.
"This is already the law of Maryland," Pinsky said.
Four Republicans on the committee insisted that domestic partnerships should be defined by insurers, not the state, and voted against the plan. They were joined by two opponents who testified against approval of the definition.
"If the General Assembly cannot come to a consensus, I think it would be unfair to ask the Maryland Insurance Administration to define a domestic partnership," said Mary Ellen Russell of the Maryland Catholic Conference.
One of the lawmakers who approved the definition, Sen. Richard Madaleno, said he plans to also propose a bill allowing gay marriages. But he acknowledged that without the support of the legislature's top Democrats, the measure faces an "uphill battle."
"I think we have to have the discussion," said Madaleno, D-Montgomery.