Maryland
Democrats want to stall same-sex marriage issue

Maryland's Democratic lawmakers are so worried that same-sex marriage will put them behind the political eight-ball, they've developed what they're calling a "contingency plan" to prevent the issue from taking center stage before the November elections. Last month a Baltimore trial judge ruled that the state ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional but stayed the decision until an appeals court has a chance to weigh in.

The Washington Post reports that house Democrats fear the Maryland supreme court might take up the case and legalize same-sex marriage--thus driving up antigay Republican turnout on Election Day. So on Thursday, Montgomery County delegate Luiz Simmons filed a bill that would advise--though not require--the court to stay any ruling that overturns state law and give lawmakers a chance to address the ruling with a constitutional amendment--in this case, one that would ban same-sex marriage. Passage of the measure isn't guaranteed. Republicans oppose it as game-playing, and Democrats who support same-sex marriage might join them. (Sirius OutQ News)