Marriage activists celebrate July 4th

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman will co-host Marylanders for Marriage Equality fundraiser at parents’ home (Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Columbia/Howard County chapter of PFLAG organized a contingent of more than 40 sign- and flag-waving folks of all ages that marched in the River Hill annual 4th of July parade.  River Hill is a village in Columbia. Many marchers wore purple T-shirts with the white inscription, “Vote for the Civil Marriage Protection Act.”  They chanted support for marriage equality and tossed out candy to the crowd as well as colored beads with a message attached urging people to vote for marriage equality in November. Two volunteers from Marylanders for Marriage Equality (MD4ME) were part of the contingent.

In Annapolis there was also a solid turnout. The MD4ME group marched in the parade along with representatives of the Trevor Project. Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown joined the marchers and held the banner.

Twenty-five staff members and volunteers from MD4ME joined in the 123rd Takoma Park Parade and walked alongside the campaign’s float. Lesbian Del. Heather Mizeur and Sen. Jamie Raskin participated as well. That evening, the campaign was at the Takoma Park July 4th Festival speaking with supporters, signing them onto the pledge, registering voters and identifying volunteers.