Legal News

Advocacy Groups Release FAQ Guide For Maryland Same-Sex Couples Married Out Of State

By ACLU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Paul Cates, pcates@aclu.org

New York –Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Maryland, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights today released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide for same-sex couples in Maryland who married out of state.

These leading advocacy groups have jointly released the following statement along with the FAQ.

'This FAQ follows a favorable opinion by Maryland Attorney Douglas Gansler that says recognition of out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples is consistent with Maryland law, and a response by Maryland's Governor assuring residents that they should expect state agencies to comply. This is a big step forward for Maryland and should bring greater security, protections, and peace of mind for many married couples living, working, and visiting in Maryland —though true equality will come only when same-sex couples in Maryland can marry in their home state. In the meantime, couples who married in other jurisdictions should live their lives as all married couples do and expect to receive respect in Maryland in a broad range of areas.

"This is a new and emerging area of law and this FAQ addresses just the tip of the iceberg. This is an exciting time as state and local governments, private parties, and members of our communities assess all the ways that marriage recognition brings protections to same-sex couples in Maryland and how to implement it, but we should be aware that many answers await further developments and analysis.

'Legal conflicts may arise, but rushing into court may not be the answer, as we work to clarify all that marriage recognition brings to Maryland families. Litigation on this issue could have widespread impact for many couples and should be considered with care. If you are denied a service or protection to which married couples are entitled, please contact one of our organizations for assistance.'

A copy of the FAQ is available at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/frequently-asked-questions-about-marriag...

Full post as published by ACLU Newsroom on March 08, 2010 (boomark / email).