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Ehrlich Denounces Gay Marriage, Vows Legislative Fight
By Lori Montgomery
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, November 21, 2003; Page B01
Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. vowed yesterday to block efforts that would give gay couples the same legal rights as married people and said he would support legislation to ban recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states.
During an interview on WTOP radio, Ehrlich (R) was emphatic in his rejection of gay marriage, saying Maryland lawmakers should not bother trying to capitalize on a Massachusetts court ruling this week that recognized a right to civil marriage regardless of sexual orientation.
"It's certainly not going to happen in Maryland," Ehrlich said. "End of discussion."
Ehrlich, who won election last fall as a moderate, said he is "generally of a libertarian mind-set" on homosexuality. He said he opposes measures that seek to criminalize gay sex, saying that "the government really should not be sticking its nose into consenting adults -- their behavior in the bedroom."
Gay marriage, on the other hand, "is far different," Ehrlich said. "The institution of marriage, obviously, is the bedrock of our foundation. It's been under attack; it's been weakened for many, many decades now. I'm not going to play a part in further weakening this incredibly important institution."
In the wake of the Massachusetts ruling -- the most conclusive recognition by a court of a right to same-sex marriage -- Democratic lawmakers have said they intend to introduce legislation to authorize civil unions for gay couples when the General Assembly convenes in January.
A coalition of Republicans and conservative Democrats, meanwhile, is planning to introduce "defense of marriage" legislation that would ban gay marriage and prohibit Maryland officials from recognizing same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.
Only Vermont allows civil unions of gay couples. Thirty-seven states, including Virginia, have passed laws that render legal recognition of same-sex unions moot within their borders.
Asked whether he expects an explosive battle over the issue in Maryland, as some lawmakers predict, Ehrlich dismissed gay marriage as "a marginal issue" advanced primarily by interest groups to help recruit members and raise money.
"It's a little bit like partial-birth abortion or the assault weapons ban. . . . If the major issue here is gay rights, for instance, this is an edge issue, a marginal issue. The major issue of abortion on the edge is partial-birth abortion, which is hardly ever performed. I oppose it. But you see my point," he said.
Del. Richard S. Madaleno Jr., one of the chief advocates of same-sex marriage in Maryland, said he will press legislation nonetheless, saying legal marriage "would be of incalculable worth to the few people who would benefit."
"It would allow such peace of mind when you think about putting your life in order," said Madaleno (D-Montgomery). "I wish the governor, who appropriately celebrates his marriage with Kendel in almost every forum, could look at other people, his friends, his staff people, who are in relationships that deserve the same sort of respect and security."
