Judge Strikes Down Md. Ban on Gay Marriages

Posted on Jan 22, 2006

Michael Robinson Chavez / The Washington Post

Lead plaintiffs in the lawsuit, Gita Deane, left, and Lisa Polyak of Baltimore are savoring their victory but acknowledge that challenges lie ahead.

Washington Post: A Baltimore judge ruled yesterday that Maryland’s law banning same-sex marriage is discriminatory and “cannot withstand constitutional challenge,” throwing open the possibility of a bruising legislative battle over a constitutional amendment.

Unlike decisions in Massachusetts and New York state, the Maryland ruling will not immediately bring lines of same-sex couples to city hall for civil ceremonies. Circuit Court Judge M. Brooke Murdock immediately stayed her decision, and the attorney general’s office has voiced plans for an appeal. story

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