Were They Cowards? Maryland's First Lady Apologizes for Saying So

Marlyand's first lady is being accused of putting a marriage equality bill at risk of passing because of something she said at a gathering of LGBT activists in Baltimore.

The Associated Press reports that Katie O'Malley told attendees Thursday at the Gay and Lesbian Task Force's annual conference that "cowards" had prevented a marriage equality bill from passing during the last legislative session. She has since issued an apology, saying she got carried away.

But some lawmakers told the AP that her words might have done irreparable damage.

"Obviously, they think it's hurt them too," Republican delegate Don Dwyer told the AP. "Otherwise, she wouldn't have issued a retraction."

But Democratic senator Nathaniel McFadden predicted "individuals will vote their conscience," not in reaction to something the first lady said.