Md. GOP Senators Oppose Marriage Equality

Republican senators in Maryland voted as a caucus Tuesday to oppose the marriage equality bill pending in the state legislature, but at least one Republican, Sen. Allan H. Kittleman, refused to follow the party line.

According to The Washington Post, at least eight of the 12 Republican senators voted to oppose the marriage equality bill, a sufficient number to establish a caucus position. The position is not binding and senators are not obligated to disclose how they voted.

The Post reports that, "In an interview, Kittleman said he thought the caucus position was wrong and would announce his intentions in coming days. He has previously announced that he would sponsor a bill allowing civil unions between both same-sex and heterosexual couples. Kittleman stepped down as minority leader shortly after making that announcement."

Support from Kittleman would be helpful with a hearing on the bill scheduled for next week in the senate judicial proceedings committee.