Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley Signs Gay Marriage Law

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley on Thursday signed the states “civil marriage” bill, making Maryland the eighth state in the United States to sign gay marriage into law.

Also signing the bill was delegate Maggie McIntosh, the state’s first openly gay lawmaker. Before signing the bill O’Malley said:

“The way forward is always found through greater respect for the equal rights of all. Let’s sign the bill.”

While the bill signing is considered a big victory for gay rights supporters it won’t go into effect until 2012 and opponents of gay rights plan to put the bill up for referendum which will see the bill added to the November ballot.

In the meantime the AP says the bills future hinges on black churches throughout the state. Many of those churches leaders oppose same-sex marriage and they have already began pushing the bills “evils” during sermons.

The black churches support is a potential pivotal area of contention in the state which is one-third black. Turnout for black voters is also expected to be high again in 2012 as President Obama seeks re-election.

Rev. Derek McCoy of the Maryland Marriage Alliance says of the bill:

“We’re in full swing to put this on the ballot and let the people decide. Not the governor, who brings a unique level of craftiness and tricks to the process.”

Do you think Maryland voters will ultimately allow gay rights to prevail by passing the same-sex marriage bill that was signed by Governor Martin O’Malley on Thursday?