Religious Freedom

What the people of Maryland will be voting on in November is civil marriage – not religious marriage. Churches, synagogues and other religious institutions can and will continue to make their own decisions about who they choose to marry, The new law guarantees that religious freedom will never be threatened. Read the full text of the Civil Marriage Protection Act on our blog.

Maryland clergy would never have to perform a marriage with which they do not agree.

 Why Marriage?

• Marriage for all loving, committed couples, including same-sex couples, is a matter of justice, dignity, respect, and supporting strong families. Marriage embodies these core values that Marylanders share.
• The Golden Rule says treat others as you would like to be treated. It is only moral and right that gay and lesbian couples in long-term relationships be allowed the same opportunity to marry and to build strong families.
• People understand that marriage builds a family – and people don’t take the awesome step of marriage just for the rights and benefits. They do it because they love each other and want to raise a family.

Support in Faith Communities

Clergy and people of faith agree that the Civil Marriage Protection Act preserves religious freedom and protects civil liberties in a manner that respects the wonderful diversity of Maryland.

Religious communities that support the new law include: the United Church of Christ; the Metropolitan Community Churches; Unity Fellowship; the Unitarian Universalist Association; many Reform, Reconstructionist and Conservative synagogues; and some Disciples of Christ (Christian), Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Baptist churches.

Learn more about MD Faith for Marriage Equality.