Bishops blast Maryland’s decision to recognize same-sex marriages

February 25, 2010

Maryland’s attorney general, Douglas Gansler, has announced that the state will recognize homosexual marriages that have taken place in the five states where the practice is legal.

“I am confident that the Attorney General and his office will provide all necessary advice to state agencies on how to comply with the law,” said Gov. Martin O'Malley. “I expect all state agencies to work with the Attorney General's office to ensure compliance with the law.”

Maryland’s bishops immediately criticized the decision.

“We take strong exception to Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler’s opinion that the state may recognize same-sex ‘marriages’ performed in other jurisdictions,” the bishops said in a statement. “We trust our legislature and the people of Maryland will also object, and will act accordingly to counteract this opinion”

“The attorney general’s opinion demonstrates a fundamental disregard for the nature and purpose of marriage and its impact on society, as well as for the expressed will of the legislature and previous attorney general opinions,” they added.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Maryland to recognize gay marriages from other places (Washington Post)
• Statement of the Bishops of Maryland on the Attorney General’s opinion on recognition of out-of-state same-sex “marriages” (Maryland Catholic Conference)