Local

O’Malley introduces new version of marriage bill

Broader religious exemptions aimed at drawing more support

Published

15 years ago

January 24, 2012

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) on Monday night introduced a revised version of a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, taking the lead role in urging the state’s General Assembly to approve the measure.

O’Malley told reporters at a briefing on Monday that the revised bill would make religious protections “a little clearer” than what they had been in last year’s bill, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Sources familiar with the governor’s office have said O’Malley would likely follow the path of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who took charge of that state’s same-sex marriage bill and negotiated with skeptical Republicans to garner enough votes to win its approval last year.

Cuomo reportedly persuaded LGBT advocates to accept new language in the New York bill that allowed greater exemptions for religious organizations and businesses that were reluctant to provide accommodations or services for same-sex marriage ceremonies, such as catering facilities.

O’Malley invited advocates supporting the marriage bill, including same-sex couples, to a breakfast at the governor’s mansion in Annapolis on Tuesday morning. He was scheduled to join supporters on the steps of the governor’s mansion in a news conference at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Marylanders for Marriage Equality, a coalition of LGBT rights groups and labor, religious, and civil liberties organizations, hailed O’Malley’s introduction of the bill as a major boost in the effort to secure its approval.

“The governor’s bill not only protects but strengthens religious freedom,” said Rev. Dr. John Deckenback, conference minister for the United Church of Christ’s Central Atlantic Conference. “The governor believes – as I do – that protecting religious freedom is critically important.”

Carrie Evans, executive director of Equality Maryland, a statewide LGBT organization, said “thousands of families across our state are grateful for the governor’s actions today,” adding, “He has given the fight for marriage equality a huge jolt in momentum.”

O’Malley’s introduction of the bill on Monday came one week after Michael Busch (D), Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, announced he would send the bill to two committees this year. His action was viewed by some political observers as a sign that the bill lacked enough support in the House Judiciary Committee, which approved the measure last year by a razor-thin one-vote margin.

The committee sent the bill to the House floor, but supporters sent it back to committee rather than risk a vote that they thought they could not win, killing the bill for the year.

O’Malley and supporters of the bill in the House of Delegates and Senate say they are hopeful this year that the two bodies will approve the bill. Opponents have vowed to bring the bill before the voters in a referendum should it pass in the General Assembly.

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District of Columbia

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

17 hours ago

September 2, 2026

Staff reports

Alexis McLean (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.

Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.

“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”

Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.

Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

1 day ago

September 1, 2026

Thomas Weaverling

David Archuleta headlines this year’s SUNFESTIVAL on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.

Thursday (9/3)

Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.

After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Friday (9/4)

The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Saturday (9/5)

The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.

Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.

Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.

Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.

The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.

Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.

Sunday (9/6)

Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.

Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.

John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.

Monday (9/7)

The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.

Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.

Maryland

Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names

Conservative groups challenged system’s policy

Published

1 day ago

September 1, 2026

Baltimore Banner

Anne Arundel County Public Schools has issued new internal guidance for students who ask to be addressed by gender-affirming names and pronouns. (Photo by Eric Thompson for the Baltimore Banner)

By JESSICA CALEFATI | Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff cannot use transgender students’ preferred names if their parents oppose it, according to an internal document reviewed by the Banner, a change that comes after conservative groups challenged the school system’s approach to gender identity.

Teachers union president Kristina Korona told members in an Aug. 20 email that the new guidance undermines district policy on acceptance and inclusivity and “will begin harming affected students immediately.”

Previously, the district didn’t require parental permission to use a high school student’s chosen name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, the internal document says. Now it does. The change comes as parents challenge the suburban school system’s gender identity policy and regulation in court and the Trump-Vance administration threatens the district’s funding.

The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.