Group Says Today’s Victory Would Not Have Been Possible Without Pro-Equality Catholic Leadership.
ANNAPOLIS - Catholics for Equality, the country’s largest national political organization of Catholics who put their faith into ethical and effective political action on behalf of the LGBT community and their families, representing the views of over 75 million American Catholics, released the following statement today in response to today’s passage by the Maryland State Senate of Senate Bill 116, extending civil marriage equality to citizens in their state.
Catholics for Equality applauds the Maryland State Senate for passing marriage equality legislation today by a margin of 25-22.
We especially applaud the leadership and determination of our Catholic brother and bill lead sponsor, Maryland State Senator Robert Garagiola, for fighting so hard to pass this bill. Today, is not just a victory for same-sex couples in Maryland, for Catholic families across the country, but a victory for this rising star in Maryland politics.
We are also heartened that this bill is now being sent for signing to the desk of our Catholic brother, Governor Martin O’Malley, who has led this important battle this year. Without your pro-equality Catholic leadership, Governor O’Malley, today’s victory would not have been possible.
We also applaud the work of our state affiliate, Maryland Catholics for Equality, under the leadership of State Chair Manley Calhoun, who worked to empower and mobilize the majority of Maryland Catholics who polls show support civil marriage equality.
Lastly, we remain inspired by the countless number of Catholic families who stood up and spoke out so passionately during the statewide debate on marriage equality. You prove to the nation that faithful Catholics believe that sacramental/religious marriage can be protected inside our church, while our government extends civil/legal marriage licenses to same-sex couples in our city halls.
