A Maryland
circuit court ruled today that Maryland’s statute denying marriage to
same-sex couples is a violation of the state constitution.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on July 7, 2004, in
partnership with Equality Maryland, on behalf of nine same-sex couples
and a surviving gay partner, charging that it is a violation of state
constitution to deny same-sex couples the ability to marry and the many
family protections that come with marriage.  The case was argued before
Judge Murdock on August 30, 2005.

The state is expected to
appeal today’s decision. Maryland’s highest court, the Court of
Appeals, will almost certainly have the ultimate say over the issue.
The case will likely continue for well over a year, perhaps even
longer.

To read the decision, click here <http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/ct/-7LFN0n1RRrN/> or visit the following link: http://www.equalitymaryland.org/Deane_Polyak_BCC_Decision.pdf   

Interestingly, one of the named plaintiffs, Patrick Wojahn, was my roommate during my 3rd year of law school. Congratulations, Patrick! Many happy returns to you and David.