FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2006

Contact:
Dan Furmansky, Executive Director,
Equality Maryland
Office (301)587-7500
Cell (301)461-4900
Email: dan@equalitymaryland.org

Responses by Elected Officials and Community Leaders to Baltimore Circuit Court Ruling:

....and Responses to Calls for a Constitutional Amendment:

“Local NAACP branches are opposed to any kind of tampering of the Maryland Constitution in the name of banning the legalization of gay and lesbian unions. A constitutional amendment attacks some of the most basic fibers that the constitution was founded upon, and an amendment would have devastating effects for many in our communities. If critics of gay rights start to take out one group of people, what will stop them from taking out the rights of other groups of people next? This constitutional ban effort would be no better than some of the Jim Crow laws and segregation acts that were in some state constitutions in the late 1800s/early 1900s. The NAACP believes that basic human and civil rights need to be protected.”

Elbridge G. James, Maryland State NAACP President Elect and Chair, Political Action Committee

"I have voted against a federal constitutional amendment that would have written the definition of marriage into our Constitution.  I oppose similar efforts to amend Maryland's constitution."

Democratic Congressman and U.S. Senate Candidate Ben Cardin

“It is not a matter of whether one is heterosexual or homosexual, what matters is commitment. I would rather the Maryland General Assembly focus on education, healthcare and economic development issues then what happens in the privacy of one’s bedroom.  It’s a matter of civil rights!”

Speaker Pro Tem Delegate Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County)

"In good conscience, one simply cannot support any amendment that uses our Constitution as a vehicle to deny rights.  The Constitution should be used to confer rights and protections, not to deny rights to a particular group."

Delegate Gareth Murray (D-Montgomery County)

“I am opposed to any constitutional amendment that would discriminate against persons due to their sexual orientation”

Delegate Rosetta C. Parker (D-Prince George’s County)

"The Maryland Constitution belongs to all its citizens.  Any attempt to box out one group of people from this sacred document is antithetical to our nation's promise of equal justice for everyone, and is simply pandering to bigotry."

Delegate Victor Ramirez (D-Prince George's County)

"I would oppose any amendment to Maryland's constitution that would codify discrimination in our marriage laws.  I continue to support Non-discriminatory policies and practices against persons based on race, gender, and sexual orientation."

Senator Gwendolyn Britt (D-Prince George's County)