Marriage legislation pushed as a priority

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Advocates of traditional marriage in Virginia and Maryland say their top priority in the upcoming legislative sessions is lobbying for constitutional amendments that would provide a clear definition of the institution.

Virginia lawmakers have approved an amendment, but such legislation has failed repeatedly in Maryland.

Last month, Texas became the 19th state to amend its constitution to define marriage. Petition drives for 2006 ballots are under way in Arizona, California, Florida and Illinois.

Complicating the debate in Maryland is a lawsuit filed by nine same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses this year. The lawsuit is pending in Baltimore City Circuit Court, and a ruling is expected soon.

Maryland law defines marriage as a union of a man and a woman, but family groups pledge to continue lobbying for a constitutional definition because of the pending lawsuit.

"We don't think the one judge should be making decisions that affect not only Maryland culture, but the national culture," said Doug Stiegler, executive director of the Family Protection Lobby.

He said Maryland's 1973 marriage law does not go far enough, and complained that lawmakers have blocked proposed marriage amendments from full floor votes in the Democrat-controlled House and Senate. If a proposed amendment passes both chambers by a three-fifths majority, it will go to voters in November.

Dan Furmansky, executive director of Equality Maryland, said he thinks a constitutional amendment subjects the rights of one group to popular vote.

"I would like to think that Maryland legislators have indicated they are not interested in limiting people's rights," he said.

Virginia's proposed amendment is expected to be on the ballot in November.