wow I thought the church was the only one who could MARRY someone and call it a Marraige? Now how can the government force the church to preform a marraige of gays when it is against their beliefs!!! I have no problem with a civil union but come on the seperation of church and state?

First of all Chuck, equalizing the distribution of federal benefits by allowing gays to marry doesnt mean that the government is going to force Father Child Molester at your local Catholic Church to do something as digusting as marry two consenting adults who are in love. Secondly...in your opinion though, its okay for your churches laws to keep me away from my partner if hes dying? Or not allow me SSI or other govt benefits if in the event of his death? Why is it that your church dictates what the government can and can not do. And if ANYONE wants to decry the Separation of Church and State, I would think those that are God fearing have the least ground to stand on since the state heavily dictates the belief of the church as things stand now. If it werent for the co-mingling of church and states gays wouldnt have to fight for federal benefits that are tied to the act of marriage.

@Chuck - there is language in the bill that protects the religious freedom of churches and synagogues. They will not be forced to solemnize any marriage that does not follow their religious tradition. This is simply about civil marriage - the license provided by the government. Also, in regards to the gender identity bill, we are proud to have the opportunity to advance protections for employment and housing. Statistics show that 1 in 5 transgender Marylanders have lost a job and 12% have experienced homelessness due to discrimination. We must address this now!