Essex-Middle River Reacts to Same-Sex Marriage

Alicia Wernick and Lori Brennan watched the news with pride Thursday as Gov. Martin O’Malley officially made Maryland the eighth state in the country to

Wernick and Brennan have been in a relationship for eight years and have looked forward to the day when they could get married in their home state.

At the same time, the Essex couple understands they have to temper their emotions, as having same-sex marriage weddings actually performed in Maryland isn't a sure thing—yet.

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Some supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage say they believe voters will likely decide the issue in November.

Meanwhile, some who are against same-sex marriage have vowed to get the 56,000 signatures needed to place the issue on the ballot. If that petition drive fails, the law would go into effect in January 2013.

“We’re holding out hope,” said Wernick, 29. “Views on gay marriage are evolving, but we know anything can happen should it get to referendum.”

Wernick and Brennan said they have been encouraged to see Maryland continue to move closer toward accepting same-sex marriage, yet understand opinions are still very mixed and cross party lines.

Among the state legislators who represent Essex and Middle River, only

Those who voted against same-sex marriage included District 6 representatives Sen. Norman Stone along with Dels. Mike Weir Jr. and Joseph “Sonny” Minnick, all of whom are Democrats.

Also voting against same-sex marriage were District 7 representatives Sen. J.B. Jennings and Dels. Kathy Szeliga, Pat McDonough and Rick Impallaria, all of whom are Republicans.

Brennan, 28, said that what has made her more optimistic this year are some religious leaders who came out in support of same-sex marriage—as long as religious institutions were not required to perform the ceremonies.

“We talk about separation of church and state in government,” Brennan said. “This issue is about people who just want their relationship to be recognized by the government. The ironic thing is that Alicia and I are very religious and go to church each week and we even met in church.”

Also pleasing to Wernick and Brennan is watching how O’Malley’s stance on same-sex marriage has evolved to the point where he is now one of the issue’s most-staunch supporters.

“If there is a thread that unites the story of our people, it is the thread of human dignity; the dignity of work; the dignity of family; the dignity of every child’s home; the dignity of every individual,” said O’Malley in a statement after signing the bill.

“We are One Maryland, and all of us, at the end of the day, want the same thing for our children: To live in a loving, stable, committed home protected equally under the law.”

As the debate over same-sex marriage is likely to continue into the fall, Brennan said she also believes the debate has taken on a much more civil tone than in previous years.

“We have gotten to the point where the issue of same-sex marriage has been humanized,” she said. “Most people know someone who is gay or has a family member that is gay and just want the same rights as others.

“We’ve talked about getting married in another state that already recognizes gay marriage, but our hope is to be able to celebrate that day in our home state. Signing the bill into law was the next step toward that reality.”

What do you expect to happen with same-sex marriage should referendum effort to place it on the November ballot be successful? Tell us in the comments section below.