As the new year approaches, as do the first legal marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples living in Maryland. The landmark equal rights decision was favored by 52 percent of Marylanders in a voter referendum last election, although some hesitation and disagreement still obviously exist. On January 1st, Maryland courts will have to allow and provide the marriage ceremonies, but a compromise has been reached in St. Mary’s County. Some deputy clerks, who oppose the measure on religious grounds, will not perform the ceremonies. Ceremonies involving same sex couples will simply go to another clerk.
Carrie Evans, a spokesperson for Equality Maryland, has said her advocacy group does not see any problem with changing the clerks who perform certain duties, as long as they are still provided.
