2009 Legislative Scorecard


Annapolis - Equality Maryland released on June 16 its 2009 legislative scorecard, which assigns a numerical score on issues related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) equality to the 141 Delegates and 47 Senators serving in the Maryland General Assembly. Issues scored include equal marriage rights for same-gender couples, gender identity anti-discrimination legislation, and a repeal of the inheritance tax for domestic partners. Click here to download the scorecard; click here to read the full press release.


Send a note of thanks


Click here to thank legislators who supported our work by sponsoring the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act. To thank those who stood up for equality by sponsoring the Transgender Antidiscrimination bill, click here.


New Domestic Partner Law Now in Effect


One July 1, new domestic partner laws and regulations took effect in Maryland that will afford greater peace of mind to families headed by same-sex couples. Please make sure that you are educated about these new laws!

  • Click here to read about the new inheritance tax law and how you can take the precautions necessary to make sure that you are exempt from inheritance taxes on the home you own together.
  • In addition, health and life insurance benefits are now available to the domestic partners of state employees, as well as the children of domestic partners. Click here for more information.

Yes, we're married: A tale of two Maryland gay couples


Click here to read a terrific article from bthesite.com about two Maryland couples, their struggles in the face of inequality under the law, and the Attorney General's upcoming legal opinion as to whether Maryland should honor out-of-state marriages between same-sex couples.


Congratulations and Thank You!


Equality Maryland would like to congratulate this year's Night Out for Equality Honorees, and thank all of our sponsors, table captains, silent auction donors, and everyone else who made the 8th Annual Night Out For Equality Gala a wonderful evening! Click here for more information.

Record breaking amount raised for the EQMD PAC at the Gala


More than $35,000 will go to promote LGBT equality in the 2010 election! Click here for more information and to learn how to get involved.


Cynthia Nixon

OUT FOR EQUALITY
Cynthia Nixon

 Rep. Wayne Gilchrest

ALLY FOR EQUALITY
Rep. Wayne Gilchrest

 Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk

ADVOCATE
FOR EQUALITY
Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk

State Sen. Jamie Raskin

ALLY FOR EQUALITY
State Sen. Jamie Raskin

 State Sen. James Robey

ALLY FOR EQUALITY
State Sen. James Robey

 Del. Ben Barnes

ALLY FOR EQUALITY
Del. Benjamin Barnes





  • Family Spotlight


    Click above to view an interview with Police Lieutenant Irene Huskens and her partner Darlene at the 2009 legislative hearings for the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act. Click here to view more footage from the hearings.

    Read about other Maryland couples

  • Marylanders of Color Collective

    The Marylanders of Color Collective is an organization of people of color dedicated to engaging in heart-to-heart dialogue about LGBT people of color.

    Learn more about MOCC

  • Pride in Faith

    Pride in Faith confronts religious-based bigotry by building a network of congregations and leaders of faith throughout Maryland who advocate for equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Marylanders and their families.

    Learn more about Pride in Faith