2006 was a year of progress for the LGBT and allied community.  Here’s what we accomplished together this year:

• Following an initial win in the Circuit Court in Deane & Polyak v. Conaway, Equality Maryland worked with allies in the General Assembly to defeat seven different proposals to amend our state constitution to prohibit marriage equality.

• We organized civil rights groups, religious organizations, constitutional scholars, labor leaders, child welfare experts, and children of same-sex couples to testify against the amendments in Annapolis.

• Our February 13th rally was cited by some as the largest demonstration of the year on any issue in Annapolis.

• Between our letters, phone calls, and lobby day and other visits, we provided an unprecedented level of communication between LGBT and allied constituents and legislators.

• Our Clergy Lobby Day provided a platform for faith leaders from several denominations to speak out against anti-gay efforts and deliver to legislators a letter with 250 clergy signatories from across the state who oppose an amendment.

• Our lobbyists worked with legislators to broaden a package of bills concerning advanced medical directives to the benefit of same-sex couples. When signed by the governor, these new laws will allow any individual to designate a health care agent to visit them in the hospital, ride in an ambulance, and make funeral arrangements and decisions about disposal of remains. These four rights were not previously available – even through advance directives – for same-sex couples, who are not considered “family.” Furthermore, a bill sponsored by the Governor creates a registry for advance directive forms. While this bill is not specific in any way to same-sex couples, it will offer peace-of-mind to those who may not have legal documents on them in the event of an emergency. The laws would go into effect in October.

• A bill passed the General Assembly to provide penalties to state contractors who discriminate. The bill would allow the state’s Human Relations Commission to suspend or prohibit a business that discriminates from bidding on state contracts. It was the Maryland Black Legislative Caucus’ number one priority this year, and Equality Maryland worked to ensure it specifically included sexual orientation so as to comply with state law. The bill passed without debate and limited opposition.

Thank you to all of you for the crucial roles you played in these successes!