Same-sex couples throughout Maryland combined their New Year’s celebration with their wedding celebration as the country entered 2013. Many couples, such as James Scales, age 68, and William Tasker, age 60, got married just after midnight as soon as the new year began. They were one of seven couples that had their weddings in the City Hall that night. Same-sex couples in Maryland have been able to acquire marriage licenses since December 6th, but those licenses did not take effect until midnight of January 1 2013. Six weddings were held throughout the day at the Black Walnut Point Inn on Tilghman Island on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
There are nine states in the US that legally recognize same-sex marriage. However, last year Maryland became one of only three that legalized same-sex marriage via popular vote. The legislation passed the House of Delegates in February in a close vote and was signed by governor Martin O’Malley signed in March. In then passed a statewide vote by 52% to 48%.
