Marriage Equality Opponent Accused of Misusing Campaign Funds for Wedding

A politician who was part of the effort to prevent the enactment of marriage equality in Maryland was charged Friday with stealing campaign funds, which partially covered the expenses for her own nuptials.

The Washington Postreports that state delegate Tiffany T. Alston wrote herself checks and cashed them to cover $3,560 in wedding costs. She made a notable switch from cosponsoring the marriage equality bill to suddenly advocating civil unions and then voting against the marriage bill, shortly before her own wedding. The move angered many, and her wedding this past spring was protested by several gay activists.

The lawmaker also used some of her campaign funds to help pay the salary of an employee at her law firm. Another Maryland politician indicted Friday was Capitol Heights mayor Darrell Miller, who was also charged with personal use of campaign funds.