Md. Senate Committee to Vote on Marriage Bill

The Maryland senate judicial proceedings committee is scheduled to vote on the marriage equality bill Thursday, which would advance the measure to a vote by the full senate.

The bill has support from seven of the committee's 11 members, according to the Associated Press.

"A vote by the full Senate is expected to be close: 23 senators have pledged their support, 24 are needed to advance the bill to the House. Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, has said he would sign the measure into law if it reaches his desk," the AP reports.

Senators who support the marriage equality bill include one Republican and a Democrat galvanized by what he called the "appalling" testimony of antigay witnesses.