HRC Blog

With 10 minutes to go, supporters of marriage equality have filled the senate judicial proceedings hearing room and are preparing to testify in support of the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Act. The sea of red is a visual testament to the support for love and equality.

In just over an hour, legislators in Maryland will hear testimony for and against allowing loving and committed same sex couples to marry in the state of Maryland. Leading up to the hearing, legislators from across the state are speaking with press about why they support equality for all.

Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to join dozens of members of clergy representing the pro- equality contingency of the faith community. Arriving at 7:00 in the morning at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Annapolis, MD, leaders ranging from the Jewish community to the Baptist community, from the Unitarian Universalists to the Catholic Church convened with Equality Maryland and us here at HRC to demonstrate their commitment to fairness and justice for all.

The following is from Jason Lott, HRC staff member and Maryland resident: Last night, I had the opportunity to travel to Annapolis with Equality Maryland for Why Equality Matters Day where I spoke with my state Senator, Victor Ramirez about the importance of the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Act and the Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Act. I’m proud to say that my elected official, state Senator Ramirez, is a strong supporter of both pieces of legislation.

The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act was introduced at a press conference sponsored by Equality Maryland in Annapolis yesterday attended by over two dozen legislators as well as representatives from several supportive organizations including the Human Rights Campaign.