Anti-gay forces are mobilizing in Maryland to prevent same-sex marriage from becoming legal. An interfaith coalition announced Wednesday plans to campaign against a planned gay marriage bill during the 2012 legislative session, according to lezgetreal.com.
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley supports the bill, since gay marriage became legal in New York. Maryland Marriage Alliance, the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. and other religious organizations will stand in his way.
“Our nation has thrived on the fabric of the family,” Jericho City of Praise’s Pastor Joel Peebles said.
Maryland Marriage Alliance believes marriage is based on procreation and is between a man and a woman. Vernon Kirk of Sharon Bible Fellowship was ready and willing to defend the institution of marriage as he sees it.
“When it became more obvious that the threat was real, the faith community and other supporters of marriage rose up,” Kirk said.
Marylanders for Marriage Equality, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Baltimore chapter and Equality Maryland are among those fighting for same-sex marriage.
British Envoy to Nigeria Denounces Gay Marriage Bill
Nigeria’s outlawing gay marriage could cost the country financial support. Andrew Lloyd, Britain’s envoy, said neither the United Kingdom nor other western nations would tolerate such discrimination, according to AllAfrica.com.
Nigeria’s Senate passed a bill Tuesday, which bans and criminalizes same-sex marriages as well as public displays of affection. Couples entering into same-sex marriage or civil union face 14 years in prison.
Senate President David Mark was concerned about the possible loss of aid. Mark remained committed to protecting “our values.”
Photo: baltimoresun.com
