ANNAPOLIS, Md. — In a decision that likely will lead to a lawsuit, Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler issued a 53-page opinion Feb. 24 saying the state could recognize out-of-state gay “marriages” despite a state law that explicitly says marriage is only between a man and a woman.
Gansler’s opinion does not mean the state will begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, in 2005 upheld current law and refused to legalize such relationships. But Gansler’s opinion — unless challenged — does mean the state may begin recognizing gay “marriages” from the five states that have legalized it, such as Massachusetts.
His opinion is not a complete surprise to conservatives. In 2008 he publicly backed a bill that would have legalized gay “marriage.” David Lee, executive director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, said he was “deeply saddened” by Gansler’s opinion. (TAB)
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