ANNAPOLIS, MD –  On Thursday, Feb. 23, Maryland Senators voted 25 to  22 to legalize gay marriage, less than  a week after the state’s House  of Delegates passed the measure  by a razor-thin 72-to-67 vote. The bill now goes to Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley for his signature, at which time the Bay State will become the eighth state to allow same-sex marriage. Opponents plan to collect the more than 55,000 signatures they need to place the referendum to repeal on the November ballot.

The measure has had a bumpy ride, and in its final form had to be amended to take effect on Jan. 1, 2013, in order to allow time for the referendum process. Maryland is a heavily Democratic state, but the party is divided over marriage equality. Supporters of the measure in the House of Delegates required  the votes of two Republicans, three conservative Democrats, and two African-American members, none  of whom initially supported the bill. Some of the delegates said their support came after language was added protecting religious institutions from compulsory compliance.

“People believe that it’s a sin for a homosexual to be married, but who are they to judge?” said Delegate Robert Costa, one of the Republicans who voted in favor. “It’s up to God,  not government.” A Jan. 30 Washington Post poll found that 50 percent
of Marylanders support allowing  same-sex marriage, and 44 percent  are opposed.