Hundreds of supporters cheered as the Democratic governor signed the bill. It passed the Maryland Senate 25-22 and the House of Delegates 72-67.

Those opposed to equality have launched an effort to put a referendum on the November ballot, despite recent polling showing that a majority of Marylanders support marriage for straight as well as gay and lesbian couples.

The law will go into effect in January, allowing the referendum process to be completed, so Maryland potentially does not end up with a situation like in California, where about 18,000 gay and lesbian couples married during the window of time when marriage equality was legalized before Proposition 8 took away that right.

Unless undone by referendum, Maryland will join Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and the District of Columbia in legally recognizing marriage for gay and lesbian couples. Washington state lawmakers also approved marriage equality, and Gov. Christine Gregoire signed the bill that will allow gay and lesbian couples to wed in about three months. However, efforts are underway to call a referendum in November on the matter.

California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Rhode Island provide same-sex couples civil unions or domestic partnerships.

New Jersey's legislature recently approved a law granting marriage equality, but Republican Gov. Chris Christie, who harbors national political ambitions, vetoed the bill. New Jersey lawmakers have about a year to overturn that veto.

In California, a federal judge and an appeals court have ruled that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional, but the supporters of discrimination continue to appeal the rulings. It could be another year before the case moves forward.

The reaction

Equality supporters saluted Gov. O'Malley for bringing the marriage issue to the state legislature.

Human Rights Council President Joe Solmonese:

“The Governor’s signature today puts Maryland on the road to fairness for all families. This victory was possible thanks to the hard work of so many on the ground in Maryland. Our congratulations go to Governor O’Malley and our legislative allies who were incredible leaders in this effort.

“There remains a lot of work to do between now and an expected November referendum to make marriage equality a reality in Maryland,” Solmonese said. “Along with coalition partners, we look forward to educating and engaging voters about what this bill does: It strengthens all Maryland families and protects religious liberty.”

Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart:

"It's a great day for equality in Maryland. The state is indeed stronger today with marriage equality for same-sex couples and their families.

"This past month has been a momentous one for the LGBT community. From coast to coast -- in Washington, New Jersey and Maryland -- many elected officials are standing up for equality, and old-fashioned American values of fairness and common sense again have carried the day. People all across the country understand that marriage protects families, and that separate and unequal are not the American way.

"We congratulate our colleagues at Marylanders for Marriage Equality, who have worked tirelessly for this day. We also want to thank Governor O'Malley for his great leadership, and we are proud of the state legislators who voted for equality.

"Lambda Legal has been working towards marriage equality in Maryland for a long time. For years, we have defended out-of-state marriages of same-sex Maryland couples by winning recognition and benefits for police officers, school employees and other Marylanders."

Mike Thompson, Acting President of GLAAD:

"Step by step, we continue to draw closer to full equality for every American. Today's historic bill signing reflects the opinion of a growing majority of Americans who -- regardless of race, political affiliation and religion -- believe that every committed couple should be able to marry the person they love. Though opponents have already taken measures to deprive gay and lesbian Marylanders of the vital protections that only marriage can afford, we remain confident that, if asked, voters will echo Governor O'Malley's support for full equality."

National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell:

“There is no doubt that 2012 is off to a firecracker start when it comes to tipping the scales in favor of full equality for our relationships and a future where the promise of justice for all is realized. Governor Martin O'Malley, like Washington Governor Chris Gregoire last month, has distinguished himself as a political leader who takes seriously his oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. We know we have farther to go before every LGBT person can live fully and freely, but today in Maryland our brothers and sisters can rest easier, knowing that their families are recognized and secure under the law."

Source: SDGLN

The state Senate voted 25-22 for the law. The vote comes less than a week after the House of Delegates barely passed the measure.

Maryland will become the eighth state to allow gay marriage when O'Malley — who sponsored the bill — signs the legislation. The Democrat made the measure a priority this session after it stalled last year.

"This issue has taken a lot of energy, as well it should, and I'm very proud of the House of Delegates and also the Senate for resolving this issue on the side of human dignity, and I look forward to signing the bill," O'Malley said in a brief interview after the Senate vote.

Opponents, though, have vowed to bring the measure to referendum in November. They will need to gather at least 55,726 valid signatures of Maryland voters to put it on the ballot and can begin collecting names now that the bill has passed both chambers.

Some churches and clergy members have spoken out against the bill, saying it threatens religious freedoms and violates their tradition of defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

"The enormous public outcry that this legislation has generated — voiced by Marylanders that span political, racial, social and religious backgrounds — demonstrates a clear need to take this issue to a vote of the people," Maryland Catholic Conference spokeswoman Kathy Dempsey said in a statement. "Every time this issue has been brought to a statewide vote, the people have upheld traditional marriage."

"There remains a lot of work to do between now and November to make marriage equality a reality in Maryland," Joe Solmonese, HRC president said in a statement released Thursday. "Along with coalition partners, we look forward to educating and engaging voters about what this bill does: It strengthens all Maryland families and protects religious liberty."Leaders at the Human Rights Campaign, a group that joined a coalition of organizations to advocate for the bill, said they expect opponents will gather the required number of signatures.

Senators rejected some amendments to the legislation Thursday. Proponents warned that amending the bill could kill it because gathering enough support for altered legislation in the House would be difficult.

Last year senators passed a similar measure by 25-21, but the bill died in the House after delegates rescinded their initial support citing concerns that it could violate religious liberties of churches and business owners who do not support same-sex unions.

Sen. Allan Kittleman, the only Senate Republican to vote in favor of the legislation, said he is proud of his decision and not concerned about political consequences down the road.

"You don't worry about politics when you're dealing with the civil rights issue of your generation," said Kittleman, R-Howard, the son of the late Sen. Robert Kittleman, who was known for civil rights advocacy.

Christy and Marie Neff, who married in Washington, D.C., where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, stood outside the Senate chamber Thursday evening as crowds surrounded O'Malley and other key supporters.

The couple, who lives in Annapolis, has lobbied lawmakers to support the bill in recent years.

"This is our victory and we're going to savor this because you can only really jump one hurdle at a time," Christy Neff said. "So we're going to savor this and then if they bring it to referendum, we'll match that effort with the same sort of effort we did today."

Source: ABC News

After courting the votes of a couple delegates initially opposed to the measure, House members voted 72-67 to pass the bill. An initial vote count suggested the measure passed with 71 votes, leaving out an affirmative from Delegate John Bohanan.

Next up is the Senate, which handily passed a similar bill last year. Gov. Martin O'Malley sponsored the bill and has pushed for gay marriage to be legalized. Approval would make Maryland the eighth state plus the District of Columbia to legalize the marriages, although opponents have vowed to petition the measure to referendum.

"Today, we took a giant step toward marriage equality becoming law — and we are in this position due to the unwavering leadership and resolve of Governor O'Malley, Speaker (Michael) Busch and our legislative allies," Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement released Friday.

An amendment from Delegate Tiffany Alston, a Prince George's Democrat who previously opposed to the bill, was accepted by the members, a move opponents suggested secured her vote. It would keep the law from going into effect until any litigation related to a potential voters' referendum on the measure is processed.

The body also added an amendment Thursday evening, altering the effective date from October to January 2013.

Delegate Wade Kach, a Republican from Baltimore County, said earlier in that day that his support was contingent upon that amendment.

Throughout the week, several key lawmakers, including Kach and Republican Delegate Robert Costa, made pronouncements that after personal consideration they would support the legislation.

Opponents say the bill does not adequately protect religious freedoms and would force educators to teach about gay marriage in public schools.

Delegates rejected amendments to create civil unions, allow parents to opt out of education programs that address same-sex relationships, limit marriage for gay couples over 18 and to put the measure directly on the ballot.

Opponents argued that Democrats rushed the measure through without proper consideration of amendments once they knew there would be enough votes.

"We should not use brute force strength on such a weighty issue," said minority leader Anthony O'Donnell, R-Calvert.

Earlier in the week, opposition lawmakers criticized proponents for dragging their feet on the measure in order to have enough time to secure votes.

Source: ABC News