California, Maryland Waiting to Hear Wedding Bells

Gay marriage is back in the headlines. California Assemblyman Mark Leno plans to re-introduce a bill today that would legalize gay marriage in the Golden State. Likening California's present domestic-partner system to "separate but equal accommodations," Leno said, "the idea that we would want to say one group of citizens doesn't love equally, and for that reason we won't grant them a marriage license, is in my opinion not only unfair, unjust and un-American, it's also unconstitutional."

Leno believes that Governor Schwarzenegger is open to reconsidering the bill, which he vetoed only last year. He also believes there is more support than ever for gay marriage. (Read the Story)

Meanwhile, Maryland's highest court will hear arguments today by attorneys representing 17 plaintiffs who filed suit over two years ago charging that a 1973 state law defining marriage as a union only between a man and a woman violates their constitutional rights. Activists on both sides of the issue predict a long battle in Maryland over the issue. (Read the Story)




My friend, writer Julie Enszer had an Op-Ed in the Baltimore Sun yesterday in which she paints a picture of the personal aspects of the Maryland case:

"But one year, we had to think about [how not married we are]. For some unknown reason, I passed out at a restaurant in Michigan when we were dining with friends. I was rushed to the hospital; my partner wasn't allowed to stay with me. We have durable medical power of attorney documents signed, but they were at our home in University Park. (Lesson learned: Travel with them.) Luckily, there were no long-term negative consequences -- I just had to spend five hours alone in an emergency room on Christmas Eve. It could have been worse. Of that, we're always aware.

The consequences of exclusion from marriage for the eight same-sex couples and one widower in Deane and Polyak are much more stark. Immigration, taxation, decision-making in medical crises, rights after death, child custody. Each circumstance is painful, each story heartbreaking. In Maryland, more than 1,000 rights and responsibilities are given to couples as a result of being married. Same-sex couples are excluded from these rights and responsibilities. It has a huge impact on the lives of the 17 people involved in the lawsuit. It has had a huge impact on my life."

Contrasting everyday life with big court decisions, Julie sets her opinion piece amidst holiday preparations and traditions she and her partner of 10 years are wrapped up in at the moment:

"We will cook together, making delicious foods, first for Hanukkah - latkes, blintzes, and soofganiot - and then a big Christmas dinner. I'm lobbying for brisket, but those negotiations are ongoing ...

... On Monday, 17 of us with a few lawyers will ask the Court of Appeals to give us the same rights and responsibilities as our heterosexual married neighbors. My partner and I will look hopefully toward Annapolis and then wait for the judges' decision. Whatever the outcome, we'll continue with our lives: baking holiday cookies, lighting Shabbat candles. One holiday after another. One day after another, until our lives and our relationship are so utterly ordinary that they cannot be denied." (Read the Whole Op-Ed: 'Gay Couples Hope Holidays Bring Gift of Marriage Rights')