(Annapolis, MD January 31, 2006) Today, the House Republican Caucus called upon the leadership of the House of Delegates to allow the constitutional amendment protecting marriage between a man and a woman to be brought to a vote on the floor of the House of Delegates.
"This issue is too important not to be voted on by the House as a whole" said Minority Whip Anthony J. O'Donnell (District 29C). "We are facing a change in social norms unparalleled in modern history. The House of Delegates has a responsibility to consider this constitutional amendment as a complete body."
The bill that would amend the Constitution of Maryland to define marriage as between a man and a woman was heard in the Judiciary committee this afternoon.
"The committee heard the bill today, and should give the matter its due consideration before bringing it to the floor for a vote by the entire House. Many, many citizens came to Annapolis today to deliver a message to the Judiciary committee and to the House of Delegates. It would be terribly unfair for those messages to be dismissed without their being given sincere thought and deliberation." said Minority Leader George C. Edwards (District 1A).
A constitutional amendment requires the votes of 2/3 of both houses to pass the legislature, and must be ratified by the voters in the next election.