Maryland House of Delegates Debating Gay Marriage bill NOW *LISTEN LIVE*

[charlie and algernon]

http://mlis.state.md.us/asp/listen.asp

you need Real Player in order to listen.


They're currently debating an amendment which would prohibit minors from marrying someone of the same sex.

[charlie and algernon]

1. Amendment prohibiting minors from marrying just died 54-81

[LonePirate]

2. Will there be a vote on main bill today? Or will it be next week?

[charlie and algernon]

3. Unless they suspend the rules, all we will get today is a vote on second reader (a BIG step)

The bill is currently on second reader, which is where anyone in the House can introduce an amendment. Once they fight off/accept all the amendments, they vote to bring it to third reader. Second Reader is the big step for MD bills. Once it's on third reader, no amendments may be added, so it's just an up or down vote. If they vote for 2nd reader today, then final vote for the House of Delegates should come on Monday or Tuesday.

[LonePirate]

4. Thanks for the info. Looks like things are going as well as can be expected today.

[charlie and algernon]

5. debating big amendment now - whether or not to make it a constitutional amendment

which would require the people of Maryland to ultimately vote on gay marriage. Of course it could still make it to the people through a referendum, but this amendment would require it.

[charlie and algernon]

6. Just died 63-71

[FrodosPet]

7. What is the debate sounding like?

The other day, there was a thread about how support for gay marriage is lower in some traditionally Democratic voting groups, and how that will affect this process in Maryland.

What has the tone of the debate been? Is it as hostile and homophobic as we can all imagine? Is ANYONE breaking through and helping people realize that gay rights are as important as everyone else's civil rights?

[charlie and algernon]

8. they're just debating the process now

currently debating whether to delay the bill to Monday in order to ask questions about whether or not they can suspend the effective date until all litigation is settled.

[Sparkly]

9. Is it still going on? I can't get a LIVE link...

Edit - I think they're adjourned until 4:30... ?

[charlie and algernon]

10. Yes, they'll be back in around 4:30 for the final vote.

[Sparkly]

11. Okay, I hear it now. :)

[Sparkly]

12. I wish I could see this, to know who is speaking ....

That last guy tried to argue against gay marriage saying kids with a mother and father do better -- obviously citing stats on families with a SINGLE parent, which tracks with economic status...

And the rest is just ridiculous religious preaching.