Twenty-two Maryland State Senators have now come out in support of a marriage equality bill, and another has announced that she will be the 24th vote if a 23rd can found (!).
That leaves Maryland one Senator short of almost certainly being able to pass marriage equality in Maryland.
Sen. Katherine Klausmeier and Sen. Edward J. Kasemeyer have both come out in support of Senate Bill 116, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act.
What about that 24th vote?
Sen. Joan Carter Conway has not released an official statement in support of the bill, but according to Lisa Deane-Polyak, vice president of the board of directors at Equality Maryland, Conway has told her constituents that if Senate Bill 116 receives 23 votes, she will be grant 24th vote in favor it.
So where's the 23rd vote? In the hands of three Democrats:
The new developments leave three senators -- all Democrats -- who have not declared which way they will vote on the bill. They are: Sen. John Astle, Sen. Ulysses Currie, and Sen. James Rosapepe.
There are 47 Maryland Senators. Of those 12 are Republicans, one of which will vote for marriage equality. That leaves (math being easy) 35 Democrats, of which only 22 as yet -- 63% !!! support equality for their LGBT constituents. Sure, we can contrast that with 1 out of 12 (8%) of Republicans, but it's shameful that with a supermajority of Democrats the votes aren't there yet.
A vote is expected this week. Who amongst 13 Democrats or 11 Republicans will provide that critical 23rd vote?
You can contact your Maryland Senator from this page
Update: Some organizations are claiming the 24th vote has been obtained! See the comments. I'll believe it when the votes are counted, but it does sound promising.
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Speaking of votes, and speaking of marriage equality, we really, really, really would like it if you would vote here for Rhode Island.
See here for an explanation. But please, just vote! (no muss, no fuss, no signups, just a click or two).
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