2012 Maryland Question 6

{{Short description|Referendum on same-sex marriage}} {{redirect|Question 6|the 1992 referendum|1992 Maryland Question 6}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}} {{Infobox referendum | name = Referendum Question 6 | title = '''Civil Marriage Protection Act''' | yes = 1373504 | no = 1246045 | total = 2734176 | map = {{switcher |300px |County results |300px |Congressional district results |300px |Precinct results |default=1}} | mapdivision = county | mapcaption = {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''Yes''' {{legend|#2B2457|90–100% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#28497C|80–90% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#47729E|70–80% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#7D9CBB|60–70% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#B6C8D9|50–60% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{col-2}} '''No''' {{legend|#32320C|90–100% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#5D5D2D|80–90% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#8B8B54|70–80% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#BCBC83|60–70% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{legend|#DEDEBD|50–60% |border=1px #AAAAAA solid}} {{col-end}} | notes = Source: [https://web.archive.org/web/20121129024326/http://elections.state.md.us/elections/2012/results/general/gen_detail_qresults_2012_4_0006S-.html Maryland State Board of Elections - Official Results] |country=Maryland|date=November 6, 2012}} {{Elections in Maryland sidebar}} '''Question 6''' (colloquially called the '''Maryland same-sex marriage referendum''') is a referendum that appeared on the general election ballot for the U.S. state of Maryland to allow voters to approve or reject the Civil Marriage Protection Act—a bill legalizing same-sex marriage passed by the General Assembly in 2012. The referendum was approved by 52.4% of voters on November 6, 2012, and thereafter went into effect on January 1, 2013.<ref name=equal>{{cite web|url=http://www.equalitymaryland.org/2012/11/8/we-won-marriage-now-wh |title=We Won Marriage – Now What? Answers to Your Questions |publisher=Equality Maryland |date=November 8, 2012 |access-date=December 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214072307/http://www.equalitymaryland.org/2012/11/8/we-won-marriage-now-wh |archive-date=February 14, 2013 }}</ref>

==Ballot measure== The ballot measure read as follows:<ref name=ballotquestion>{{cite web|title=2012 General Election Ballot Question Language|url=http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/2012/ballot_question_language.html#state6|work=elections.state.md.us|publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections|access-date=August 20, 2012}}</ref>

{{blockquote|'''Question 6 Civil Marriage Protection Act'''}}

{{blockquote|Establishes that Maryland's civil marriage laws allow gay and lesbian couples to obtain a civil marriage license, provided they are not otherwise prohibited from marrying; protects clergy from having to perform any particular marriage ceremony in violation of their religious beliefs; affirms that each religious faith has exclusive control over its own theological doctrine regarding who may marry within that faith; and provides that religious organizations and certain related entities are not required to provide goods, services, or benefits to an individual related to the celebration or promotion of marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.}}

The choices read as follows:<ref name=ballotquestion />

{{blockquote|'''For''' the Referred Law '''Against''' the Referred Law}}

==History== {{main|Same-sex marriage in Maryland}} The Civil Marriage Protection Act<ref name="2012 bill info">{{cite web|url=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?tab=subject3&ys=2012rs/billfile/hb0438.htm|title= House Bill 438. Civil Marriage Protection Act (2012).|publisher=Maryland General Assembly|access-date=January 1, 2012}}</ref> was passed by the Maryland General Assembly in February 2012 and signed on March 1, 2012, by Governor Martin O'Malley. The Maryland House of Delegates approved the bill by a 72–67 vote,<ref name="2012 bill info"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Maryland House Of Delegates Passes Marriage Equality Bill |url=http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2012/02/17/428460/maryland-house-of-delegates-passes-marriage-equality-bill/ |access-date=June 8, 2012 |publisher=ThinkProgress |date=February 17, 2012}}</ref> and the Maryland Senate approved the bill by a vote of 25–22.<ref name=signature>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-xpm-2012-mar-01-la-na-nn-maryland-gay-marriage-bill-signing-20120301-story.html |title=Md. gay marriage bill to become law Thursday afternoon, opponents begin referendum effort |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=June 8, 2012 |first=Ricardo |last=Lopez |date=March 1, 2012}}</ref><ref name="senate passes 2012">{{cite news |last=Hill |first=David |title=Maryland senate approves same-sex marriage bill |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/feb/23/maryland-senate-approves-same-sex-marriage-bill/ |access-date=June 8, 2012 |newspaper=The Washington Times |date=February 23, 2012}}</ref> Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the bill were included to ensure that religious leaders, religiously controlled institutions, and their programs are legally protected from being required to officiate or provide facilities for a same-sex marriage or couple if they refuse.<ref name="religious protection">{{cite news |last=Volsky |first=Igor |title=Maryland's Same-Sex Marriage Bill Includes Most 'Explicit' Religious Conscience Protections |url=http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2012/01/25/411191/marylands-same-sex-marriage-bill-includes-most-explicit-religious-conscience-protections/ |access-date=June 8, 2012 |newspaper=Think Progress |date=January 25, 2012}}</ref>

Opponents of same-sex marriage announced the launch of the petition drive for the referendum two weeks later.<ref name="washingtonpost1">{{cite news|last=Wagner |first=John |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/maryland-politics/post/same-sex-marriage-opponents-in-md-start-collecting-signatures/2012/03/14/gIQATcfECS_blog.html |title=Same-sex marriage opponents in Md. start collecting signatures - Maryland Politics |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=March 14, 2012 |access-date=January 4, 2013}}</ref> "The General Assembly and the governor do not have the final word on marriage in Maryland," said Derek McCoy, executive director of Maryland Marriage Alliance. "The people do."<ref name="washingtonpost1"/> Petitioners submitted more than twice the number of required signatures to place the referendum on the election ballot,<ref>{{cite news|last=Linskey|first=Annie|title=Same-sex marriage opponents gather twice the signatures needed for referendum|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-same-sex-signatures-submitted-20120529-story.html|access-date=January 4, 2013|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|date=May 29, 2012}}</ref> and in June, the State Board of Elections announced that enough were validated.<ref name=referendum2>{{cite news |last=Wagner |first=John |title=Same-sex marriage headed to ballot in Md. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/maryland-politics/post/same-sex-marriage-headed-to-ballot-in-md/2012/06/07/gJQAVCn3LV_blog.html |access-date=January 4, 2013 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 7, 2012}}</ref>

==Support and opposition== [[File:Maryland Marriage Equality Election Signs.jpg|thumb|left|Campaign signs outside of a polling place in Towson, Maryland. November 2012.]] Support for Question 6 consisted of a coalition of civil rights leaders, clergy,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marylandersformarriageequality.org/maryland-faith-for-marriage-equality/ |title=Maryland Faith for Marriage Equality |publisher=Marylanders for Marriage Equality |access-date=November 12, 2012}}</ref> businesses,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marylandersformarriageequality.org/md-businesses-for-marriage-equalit/ |title=MD Businesses for Marriage Equality |publisher=Marylanders for Marriage Equality |access-date=November 12, 2012}}</ref> partners,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marylandersformarriageequality.org/coalition/partners/ |title=Partner List |publisher=Marylanders for Marriage Equality |access-date=November 12, 2012}}</ref> and politicians known as Marylanders for Marriage Equality.<ref name=coalition1 /> The opposition to Question 6 consisted of religious figures and politicians known as the Maryland Marriage Alliance.<ref name="washingtonblade1">{{cite web|last=Lavers |first=Michael K. |url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/10/22/minister-describes-gays-as-predators-during-marriage-rally/ |title=Minister describes gays as 'predators"'at Md. rally |publisher=Washington Blade |date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref>

Governor Martin O'Malley, a Catholic, led the 2012 campaign for same-sex marriage in Maryland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/2011/09/omalley_raises_money_for_sames.html |title=Maryland Politics: O'Malley raises money for same-sex marriage campaign |publisher=Weblogs.baltimoresun.com |date=September 8, 2011 |access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref><ref name=BmoreSunMD>{{cite news|last=Linskey|first=Anne|title=O'Malley signs same-sex marriage bill|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-xpm-2012-03-01-bs-md-marriage-signing-20120224-story.html|access-date=November 11, 2012|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|date=March 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |agency=AP |title=Md. Governor Signs Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/md-governor-signs-bill-legalizing-gay-marriage-15828907#.T0_2wqVdkuw|access-date=November 11, 2012|newspaper=ABC News|date=March 1, 2012}}</ref> O'Malley said he concluded that "discriminating against individuals based on their sexual orientation in the context of civil marital rights is unjust" and "treating the children of families headed by same-sex couples with lesser protections under the law than the children of families headed by heterosexual parents, is also unjust."<ref name=archbishop>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/omalley-archbishop-at-odds-over-same-sex-marriage-letters-show/2011/08/08/gIQA4vR02I_story.html |title=O'Malley, archbishop at odds over same-sex marriage, letters show |work=Washingtonpost.com |date=December 21, 2011 |access-date=November 11, 2012 |first=John |last=Wagner}}</ref>

Arguments supporting Question 6 included protecting the children of gay and lesbian couples by affording their parents equal rights under the law,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-09-omalley_raises_money_for_sames-story.html |title=Maryland Politics: O'Malley raises money for same-sex marriage campaign |publisher= Baltimore Sun |date=September 8, 2011 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> improving quality of life,<ref>{{cite web |author=John Riley |url=http://www.metroweekly.com/poliglot/2012/03/omalley-signs-marriage-equalit.html |title=Gov. O'Malley Signs Marriage Equality Bill, Making Maryland Eighth State (Plus DC) to Do So |publisher=Metroweekly.com |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=January 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117015400/http://www.metroweekly.com/poliglot/2012/03/omalley-signs-marriage-equalit.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> principles of fairness,<ref>{{cite web|author=Julie Mertus |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/bs-xpm-2012-03-04-bs-ed-gay-marriage-referendum-letter-20120304-story.html |title=Gay marriage: A referendum is inappropriate |publisher=Baltimore Sun |date=March 4, 2012 |access-date=October 19, 2021}}</ref> civil equality,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-xpm-2012-10-24-ph-ll-gay-marriage-20121024-story.html |title=Maryland same-sex marriage referendum |publisher=Baltimore Sun |date=October 24, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> and highlighting religious protections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metroweekly.com/news/?ak=7763&pagenumber=all |title=African-American Pastors Rally in Support of Maryland's Question 6: Group says measure is about civil rights, not religion; counters perceptions of African-American clergy opposing marriage equality: News section |publisher=Metro Weekly |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> Arguments in opposition to Question 6 included protecting children from being taught same-sex marriage in public schools<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metroweekly.com/news/?ak=7863 |title=Opposition to Question 6 in Overdrive: Marriage-equality opponents, down in polls, employ shock tactics, misinformation campaign |publisher=Metro Weekly |date=October 27, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> with a focus on "boys can marry boys",<ref>{{cite web|author=Jean Marbella |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-xpm-2012-10-30-bs-md-marbella-marriage-ad-20121030-story.html |title=Debate over Maryland Question 6 focuses on 'teaching' gay marriage |publisher=Baltimore Sun |date=October 30, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wagner |first=John |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/ad-on-school-curriculum-sparks-heated-debate-in-marylands-gay-marriage-fight/2012/10/26/6b2bf814-1f95-11e2-ba31-3083ca97c314_story.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130412033146/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-10-26/local/35501161_1_marylanders-for-marriage-equality-marriage-debate-gay-marriage |archive-date=April 12, 2013 |title=Ad on school curriculum sparks heated debate in Maryland's gay marriage fight |newspaper=Washington Post |date=October 26, 2012 |access-date=October 19, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=John Riley |url=http://www.metroweekly.com/poliglot/2012/02/maryland-house-joint-committee-1.html |title=Maryland House Committees Host Joint Marathon Hearing on Marriage Equality - Poliglot |publisher=Metroweekly.com |date=February 10, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://marriageinmaryland.com/ |title=Marriage in Maryland: Fact Check |publisher=ACLU of Maryland |access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> preserving parental rights,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.marylandmarriagealliance.org/maryland-marriage-alliance-commercial-highlights-threats-to-parental-rights/ |title=Maryland Marriage Alliance Commercial Highlights Threats to Parental Rights |publisher=Marylandmarriagealliance.org |date=October 26, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105150423/https://www.marylandmarriagealliance.org/maryland-marriage-alliance-commercial-highlights-threats-to-parental-rights/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> a traditional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marylandmarriagealliance.org/the-threat-to-marriage/ |title=The Threat to Marriage |publisher=Marylandmarriagealliance.org |date=November 6, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013 |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116232534/http://www.marylandmarriagealliance.org/the-threat-to-marriage/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and protecting religious beliefs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Conneen |first=Mike |url=http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/10/angela-mccaskill-featured-in-new-political-ad-81132.html |title=Angela McCaskill featured in new political ad |publisher=WJLA.com |date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> An official at Gallaudet University, Angela McCaskill, used as an example<ref>{{cite web|last=Lavers |first=Michael K. |url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/10/22/minister-describes-gays-as-predators-during-marriage-rally/ |title=Minister describes gays as 'predators"'at Md. rally |publisher=Washington Blade |date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> of religious persecution in a political ad opposing same-sex marriage, opted to have herself removed because it was misleading.<ref name="baltimoresun2">{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/bs-xpm-2012-10-17-bs-ed-marriage-ad-20121017-story.html |title=Maryland gay marriage opponents make false claims |publisher=Baltimore Sun |date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> McCaskill, who was fired after the university learned that she signed the petition in opposition of Question 6, said she signed solely "because she believed the matter should be voted on."<ref>{{cite news|last=Johnson |first=Jenna |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/gallaudet-worker-pro-democracy-not-anti-gay/2012/10/16/9cd7bba8-17cc-11e2-8792-cf5305eddf60_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207204419/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-10-16/local/35500005_1_marriage-law-gallaudet-president-gay-marriage|archive-date=December 7, 2012 |title=Gallaudet worker: 'Pro-democracy,' not anti-gay |newspaper=Washington Post |date=October 13, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> Her personal views on same-sex marriage were unknown.<ref name="baltimoresun2"/> Religious officials, as well as supporters of same-sex marriage rallied for McCaskill and called for her reinstatement, stating that she should not be penalized for her personal views.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chibbaro |first=Lou |url=http://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/01/08/gallaudet-president-reinstates-chief-diversity-officer/ |title=Gallaudet reinstates chief diversity officer |publisher=Washington Blade |date=January 8, 2013 |access-date=February 26, 2013}}</ref> Several dozen small employers in the state have said that same-sex marriage will be good for business, helping to attract and retain talent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-xpm-2012-11-10-bs-bz-same-sex-marriage-business-20121110-story.html |title=Maryland same-sex marriage law good for business, employers say |publisher=Baltimore Sun |date=November 10, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2012 |last= Mirabella|first=Lorraine}}</ref>

===Fundraising=== Advocates for Question 6 raised a total of approximately $4.1 million: contributions from the organizations and individuals under Marylanders for Marriage Equality (78.5%), Human Rights Campaign's National Marriage Fund and Maryland Families PAC (14.2%), NAACP's National Voter Fund for Question 6 (5.8%), Freedom to Marry's Maryland PAC (0.9%), and Maryland for All Families (0.1%).<ref name="votersedge1">{{cite web|url=http://votersedge.org/maryland/ballot-measures/2012/november/question-6/funding |title=Question 6: Voter's Edge |publisher=Votersedge.org |date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref> Opponents of Question 6 raised a total of approximately $1.7 million: contributions from the organizations and individuals under Maryland Marriage Alliance,<ref name="votersedge1"/> National Organization for Marriage (75%), and the Knights of Columbus (14.7%).<ref name="advocate1">{{cite web|last=Brydum |first=Sunnivie |url=http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2012/11/07/maryland-officially-becomes-gay-marry-land |title=Maryland Officially Becomes Gay Marry Land |publisher=Advocate.com |date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=February 24, 2013}}</ref>

'''Notable Supporters ''' {{columns-list|colwidth=22em| *President Barack Obama<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glaad.org/blog/president-obama-embraces-marriage-equality-maine-maryland-washington-and-minnesota |title=President Obama Embraces Marriage Equality in Maine, Maryland, Washington and Minnesota |publisher=GLAAD |date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> *Former President Bill Clinton<ref name="Cheney-Clinton" /> *Former Vice President Dick Cheney<ref name="Cheney-Clinton">{{cite news |newspaper=Baltimore Sun |date=February 17, 2012 |title=Maryland lawmakers under national pressure on marriage bill |author=Annie Linskey|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2012-02-17-bs-md-influence-20120216-story.html| access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> *Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the DNC<ref name="Cheney-Clinton" /> *Ken Mehlman, former chairman of the RNC<ref name="Cheney-Clinton" /> *Julian Bond, former chairman of the NAACP, civil rights activist<ref>{{cite web|last=Bolcer |first=Julie |url=http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2012/10/09/maryland-naacp-releases-radio-ad-marriage-equality |title=Maryland NAACP Releases Radio Ad for Marriage Equality |publisher=Advocate.com |date=October 9, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> *Al Sharpton, civil rights activist<ref>{{cite news|last=Harris |first=Hamil R. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/under-god/post/prominent-black-clergy-support-maryland-same-sex-marriage/2012/09/21/875731f8-042d-11e2-8102-ebee9c66e190_blog.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922210405/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/under-god/post/prominent-black-clergy-support-maryland-same-sex-marriage/2012/09/21/875731f8-042d-11e2-8102-ebee9c66e190_blog.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 22, 2012 |title=Prominent black clergy support Maryland same-sex marriage |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=September 22, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> *Delman Coates of Mount Ennon Baptist Church<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjbuwRqpvck |title=It's About Fairness: Rev. Delman Coates for Question 6 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> *Donte Hickman Sr. of Southern Baptist Church<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/10/maryland-question-6-pastors_n_2109800.html |title=Maryland Question 6 Advocates' Alliance With 2 Baptist Pastors Helped Build Broad Support |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |access-date=November 11, 2012 |first=Michael |last=Grass |date=November 10, 2012}}</ref> *Brendon Ayanbadejo, linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2012/11/07/same-sex-marriage-amendments-brendon-ayanbadejo-chris-kluwe/1690015/|title=Ravens' Brendon Ayanbadejo thrilled gay marriage approved in Maryland |publisher=USAToday.com |access-date=December 23, 2012|date=November 7, 2012}}</ref> *1119SEIU<ref name=union>{{cite web|title=1199 MD/DC Stands with Labor to Support Marriage Equality in Maryland|url=http://www.1199seiu.org/1199_md_dc_stands_with_labor_to_support_marriage_equality_in_maryland|publisher=1199seiu.org United Healthcare Workers East|access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> *AFL–CIO<ref name=coalition1>{{cite web|title=Maryland Charts New Path for Marriage Equality in U.S.|url=http://www.marylandersformarriageequality.org/maryland-charts-new-path-for-marriage-equality-in-us/|publisher=MarylandersforMarriageEquality.org|access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> *Equality Maryland<ref name=coalition1 /> *Human Rights Campaign<ref name=coalition1 /> *ACLU of Maryland<ref name=coalition1 /> *Maryland State Education Association<ref name="advocate1"/><ref>State affiliate of the National Education Association</ref> *NAACP of Baltimore<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rawstory.com/2012/09/naacp-leader-backs-maryland-marriage-equality/ |title=NAACP leader backs Maryland marriage equality |publisher=The Raw Story |date=September 18, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> *PayPal<ref name=businessfor6>{{cite web|url=http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/business-support-grows-for-marriage-equality-in-maryland |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111153346/http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/business-support-grows-for-marriage-equality-in-maryland |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |title=Business Support Grows For Marriage Equality in Maryland |publisher=Hrc.org |date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> *Calvert Investments<ref name=businessfor6 /> *Nike, Inc.<ref name=businessfor6 /> *Nordstrom<ref name=businessfor6 /> }}

'''Notable Opponents ''' {{columns-list|colwidth=22em| *Edwin Frederick O'Brien, former Archbishop of Baltimore<ref name=archbishop /> *Derek McCoy of Maryland Marriage Alliance<ref name="washingtonblade1" /> *Tony Perkins of Family Research Council<ref name="washingtonblade1" /> *Harry R. Jackson, Jr. of Hope Christian Church<ref name="washingtonblade1" /> *Brian Brown of National Organization for Marriage<ref name="washingtonblade1"/> *Delegate Don Dwyer<ref>{{cite web|title=Don Dwyer calls himself "the face of the opposition" to same-sex marriage|url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/2011/02/supporters_open_house_samesex.html|work=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Maryland's Don Dwyer Claims Gay Marriage Supporters Have Perjured Themselves|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=7674&MediaType=1&Category=26|publisher=On Top Magazine|access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> *Delegate Emmett C. Burns, Jr.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/07/brendon-ayanbadejo-ravens-emmett-burns-marriage_n_1863488.html |title=Brendon Ayanbadejo Supports Gay Marriage: Emmett C Burns Jr. Sends Complaint Letter To Ravens |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date= September 7, 2012|access-date=November 11, 2012 |first=Chris |last=Greenberg}}</ref><ref>[http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/Emmett-Burns-letter-over-Brendon-Ayanbadejo.pdf Delegate Burns' Official Complaint Letter to Ravens Head Coach about NFL Player's Endorsement of Same-sex Marriage in Maryland] Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved November 11, 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c-qjePNL-s |title=MD Delegate Emmett Burns on Out-Of-State Marriage Equality Recognition |publisher=YouTube |date=January 26, 2010 |access-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> }}

==Opinion polls==

Public opinion surveys have reported those '''in favor''' of same-sex marriage and those '''opposed'''.

{| class="wikitable" style="width:825px;" |- !Date of opinion poll !Conducted by !Sample size !In favor !Opposed !Undecided !Margin of Error |- | ''' January 9–15, 2012'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gonzalesresearch.com/polls/Maryland%20Poll%20January%202012.pdf |title=Maryland Poll |access-date=2013-12-05}}</ref> | Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies | 808 | '''49%''' | 47% | 4% | ±3.5% |- | ''' January 23–26, 2012'''<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Washington Post |title=Half of Maryland residents back legalizing same-sex marriage |first=John |last=Wagner|date=January 30, 2012 |access-date=June 8, 2012 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/half-of-maryland-residents-back-legalizing-same-sex-marriage/2012/01/30/gIQAGeJ6cQ_story.html}}</ref> | ''The Washington Post'' | 1,064 | '''50%''' | 44% | 6% | ±3.5% |- | ''' March 5–7, 2012'''<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |title=Poll shows slim majority supports gay marriage in Md |first=Annie |last=Linskey |date=March 8, 2012 |access-date=June 8, 2012 |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/blog/bal-poll-shows-slim-support-for-gay-marriage-20120308,0,3650775.story}}</ref> | Public Policy Polling | 600 | '''52%''' | 44% | 4% | ±3.5% |- | ''' March 16–19, 2012'''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/state/poll-shows-same-sex-referendum-faces-a-divided-public |title=Poll shows same-sex referendum faces a divided public |publisher=Abc2news.com |date=2012-03-28 |access-date=2013-12-05}}</ref> | OpinionWorks | 601 | 40% | '''43%''' | 16% | ±4% |- | ''' May 14–21, 2012'''<ref>{{cite web |title=Public Polling Memo re: Maryland Same-Sex Marriage Referendum |url=http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/MarylandPollingMemo.pdf |publisher=Public Policy Polling |access-date=June 8, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |work=Chicago Tribune |first=Clarence |last=Page |date=May 27, 2012 |title=Obama's effect on gay 'rites', Polls show black voters' opinions of same-sex marriage are changing |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-oped-0527-page-20120527,0,209193.column |access-date=November 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112164529/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-oped-0527-page-20120527,0,209193.column |archive-date=November 12, 2012 }}</ref> | Public Policy Polling | 852 | '''57%''' | 37% | 6% | ±3.5% |- | ''' July 24–28, 2012'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://marylandersformarriageequality.org/wp-content/uploads/MDfME-Hart-poll-memo.pdf |title=Results Of Recent Maryland Poll On Marriage Equality |access-date=2012-11-02 |archive-date=2012-10-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001152530/http://marylandersformarriageequality.org/wp-content/uploads/MDfME-Hart-poll-memo.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Linskey, Annie|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-xpm-2012-08-02-bal-new-poll-shows-majority-support-samesex-marriage-20120802-story.html |title=New poll shows majority support same-sex marriage |publisher=Baltimore Sun |date=2012-08-02 |access-date=2013-12-05}}</ref> | Hart Research Associates | 504 | '''54%''' | 40% | 6% | ±4.5% |- | ''' September 17–23, 2012'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gonzalesresearch.com/polls/Latest%20Poll.pdf |title=Maryland Poll September 2012 |access-date=2013-12-05}}</ref> | Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies | 813 | '''51%''' | 43% | 6% | ±3.5% |- | ''' September 25–27, 2012'''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-xpm-2012-09-29-bs-md-poll-20120929-story.html |title=Poll finds support for same-sex marriage, but not gambling |publisher=Baltimore Sun |date=2012-09-29 |access-date=2013-12-05}}</ref> | OpinionWorks | 804 | '''49%''' | 39% | 12% | ±3.5% |- | ''' October 11–15, 2012'''<ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Washington Post |title=Maryland leans toward historic embrace of same-sex marriage in vote next month |first=John |last=Wagner |date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=October 18, 2012 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/maryland-leans-toward-historic-embrace-of-same-sex-marriage-in-vote-next-month/2012/10/18/a91dedba-1885-11e2-9855-71f2b202721b_story.html}}</ref> | ''The Washington Post'' | 843 | '''52%''' | 43% | 5% | ±4% |- | ''' October 20–23, 2012'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-maryland-statewide-likely-voter-poll-20121028,0,4340314.graphic |title=Maryland statewide likely voter poll |publisher=baltimoresun.com |date=October 28, 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029190408/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-maryland-statewide-likely-voter-poll-20121028,0,4340314.graphic |archive-date=October 29, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Linskey |first=Annie |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-ballot-poll-20121027,0,2408785.story?page=1 |title=State voters evenly split on same-sex marriage |publisher=baltimoresun.com |date=October 27, 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2012}}</ref> | OpinionWorks | 801 | 46% | '''47%''' | 6% | ±3.5% |- | ''' October 21–25, 2012'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pl.scribd.com/doc/111599471/Goucher-Poll-Results-1 |title=Goucher Poll Results 1 |publisher=Pl.scribd.com|date=October 29, 2012|access-date=November 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metroweekly.com/poliglot/2012/10/goucher-college-poll-shows-broad-support-for-maryl.html |title=Goucher College Poll Shows Broad Support for Maryland Marriage Equality |publisher=MetroWeekly |date=October 31, 2012 |access-date=January 7, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130107184909/http://www.metroweekly.com/poliglot/2012/10/goucher-college-poll-shows-broad-support-for-maryl.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> | Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center at Goucher College | 667 | '''55.4%''' | 39.2% | 5.4% | ±3.79% |}

==Results== On November 6, 2012, the measure was approved by 52.4% of voters.<ref name="reuters1">{{cite news|last=Honan |first=Edith |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-campaign-gaymarriage-idUSBRE8A60MG20121107 |title=Maryland voters approve gay marriage, Maine poised to |publisher=Reuters |date= November 7, 2012|access-date=January 4, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/07/politics/pol-same-sex-marriage |title=Voters approve same-sex marriage for the first time |publisher=CNN.com |date= November 7, 2012|access-date=January 4, 2013}}</ref> In a statement regarding the election results, Governor Martin O'Malley said "Whether your parents happen to be gay or straight, Democratic, Republican or Independent, your families are equal before the eyes of the law."<ref name="baltimoresun1">{{cite web|author=Linskey, Annie|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2012-11-07-bs-md-same-sex-ballot-20121106-story.html |title=Maryland approve same-sex marriage law - Baltimore Sun |publisher=Baltimore Sun |date=November 7, 2012 |access-date=January 4, 2013}}</ref> The leading opposition group said that "No matter how it turns out, there have been thousands of people who are engaged in the process."<ref name="baltimoresun1"/> On November 29, 2012, Attorney General Doug Gansler issued a legal opinion stating that court clerks could begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples once the governor certified the election results on December 6, 2012, though they would not become effective until January 1, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/maryland-attorney-general-issues-legal-opinion-on-timing-of-same-sex-marriage-licenses/2012/11/29/b7300c4c-3a6f-11e2-9258-ac7c78d5c680_story.html |title=Maryland attorney general issues legal opinion on timing of same-sex marriage licenses |newspaper=Washington Post |date=November 29, 2012 |access-date=January 4, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130232924/http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/maryland-attorney-general-issues-legal-opinion-on-timing-of-same-sex-marriage-licenses/2012/11/29/b7300c4c-3a6f-11e2-9258-ac7c78d5c680_story.html |archive-date=November 30, 2012 }}</ref> 21 out of the 24 counties in Maryland chose to issue the licenses ahead of schedule.<ref name=equal />

An exit poll conducted by AP and Edison Research found:<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/archives/fnp_display.htm?storyID=146037|title=Exit polls: Maryland voters who backed Obama also favored same-sex marriage|date=November 7, 2012|agency=Associated Press|access-date=January 7, 2013}}</ref>

* 7 in 10 young voters, age 29 and under, voted in favor of same-sex marriage. * Almost 6 in 10 of those age 30 to 44 voted in favor of same-sex marriage. * Nearly two-thirds of women with children voted in favor of same sex marriage. * Those over age 45 slightly voted against same-sex marriage. * Nearly two-thirds of those age 65 and older voted against same-sex marriage.

===County breakdown=== {| style="width:80%;" class="wikitable sortable collapsible collapsed" |+Breakdown of voting by county<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elections.state.md.us/elections/2012/results/general/gen_detail_qresults_2012_4_0006S-.html |title=Maryland State Board of Elections |publisher=Elections.state.md.us |access-date=November 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129024326/http://elections.state.md.us/elections/2012/results/general/gen_detail_qresults_2012_4_0006S-.html |archive-date=November 29, 2012 }}</ref> |- style="background:lightgrey;" ! style="width:21%;"| County ! style="width:10%;"| Yes ! style="width:10%;"| Votes ! style="width:10%;"| No ! style="width:10%;"| Votes |- | style="text-align:center; background:#c8ffc8;"|Montgomery | style="text-align:center;"|'''65.8%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''289,625'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''34.2%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''150,498'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#c8ffc8;"|Howard | style="text-align:center;"|'''59.2%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''88,768'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''40.8%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''61,139'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#c8ffc8;"|Baltimore City | style="text-align:center;"|'''57.2%''' | style="text-align:center;"|'' 138,007'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''42.8%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''103,294'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#c8ffc8;"|Anne Arundel | style="text-align:center;"|'''52.4%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''133,053'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''47.6%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''120,883'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#c8ffc8;"|Baltimore County | style="text-align:center;"|'''51.7%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''194,150'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''48.3%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''181,162'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#c8ffc8;"|Frederick | style="text-align:center;"|'''51%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''58,349'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''49%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''55,952'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Prince George's | style="text-align:center;"|'''49.6%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''183,257'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''50.4%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''186,296'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Kent | style="text-align:center;"|'''49.1%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''4,685'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''50.9%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''4,856'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Talbot | style="text-align:center;"|'''48.2%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''9,567'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''51.8%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''10,290'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Calvert | style="text-align:center;"|'''45.8%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''20,205'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''54.2%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''23,944'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Charles | style="text-align:center;"|'''45.6%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''33,334'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''54.4%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''39,792'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Harford | style="text-align:center;"|'''44.5%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''55,057'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''55.5%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''68,785'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Cecil | style="text-align:center;"|'''44.3%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''18,279'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''55.7%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''22,993'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Queen Anne's | style="text-align:center;"|'''44.2%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''10,788'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''55.8%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''13,609'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Saint Mary's | style="text-align:center;"|'''44.2%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''20,606'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''55.8%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''25,971'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Carroll | style="text-align:center;"|'''43.8%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''37,631'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''56.2%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''48,253'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Worcester | style="text-align:center;"|'''42.2%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''11,096'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''57.8%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''15,212'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Wicomico | style="text-align:center;"|'''39.8%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''16,107'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''60.2%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''24,405'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Washington | style="text-align:center;"|'''38.8%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''23,585'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''61.2%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''37,246'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Dorchester | style="text-align:center;"|'''38.7%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''5,645'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''61.3%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''8,943'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Caroline | style="text-align:center;"|'''37%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''4,785'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''63%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''8,139'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Somerset | style="text-align:center;"|'''35.7%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''3,467'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''64.3%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''6,244'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Allegany | style="text-align:center;"|'''34.5%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''9,965'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''65.5%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''18,927'' |- | style="text-align:center; background:#ffc8c8;"|Garrett | style="text-align:center;"|'''27.5%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''3,493'' | style="text-align:center;"|'''72.5%''' | style="text-align:center;"|''9,212'' |}

==See also== {{Portal|LGBTQ|Maryland}} * LGBT rights in Maryland * 2012 Minnesota Amendment 1 * Same-sex marriage in the United States

===Other same-sex marriage referendums=== * Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey, 2017 * 2016 Bermudian same-sex union and marriage referendum * 2013 Croatian constitutional referendum * Irish same-sex marriage referendum, 2015 * 2015 Slovak same-sex marriage referendum * 2015 Slovenian same-sex marriage referendum * United States: ** Maine: *** 2009 Maine same-sex marriage referendum *** 2012 Maine same-sex marriage referendum ** 2012 Washington same-sex marriage referendum

==External links== * [http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?tab=subject3&ys=2012rs/billfile/hb0438.htm House Bill 438 – Civil Marriage Protection Act]

==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} {{U.S. same-sex unions ballot measures}} {{Same-sex marriage in the United States}} {{LGBT in Maryland}}

Category:LGBTQ rights in Maryland Category:LGBTQ law in the United States Category:2012 in LGBTQ history Category:Same-sex marriage ballot measures in the United States Question 6 Maryland Category:Maryland ballot measures