Equality Maryland

An Oldie But Goodie

Kim Miller — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 05:49:00 -0500

In 2006 EQMD published a report on the 400+ state-level rights and responsibilities of spouses in Maryland. /uploads/5019/original/marriage_inequality_in_maryland_copy.pdf

We Won Marriage – Now What? Answers to Your Questions

Kim Miller — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 02:59:00 -0500

We Won Marriage – Now What

What happens now?

The law permitting same sex couples to marry will take effect on January 1, 2013.

When can we get married?

Clerks can (but don't have to) begin accepting marriage license applications immediately, and may begin issuing licenses after the Governor proclaims the results of the election (expected on 12/6/12). The licenses issued will be effective for marrying on January 1, 2013. Couples that submit a marriage license application after January 1, 2013 will have the standard two day waiting period. Equality Maryland and the ACLU are contacting each Clerk’s office to determine if they will be issuing licenses before January 1, 2013. You can check back on their web pages for updated information, or inquiry directly to your local Clerk’s office.

What are the implications of choosing to get married?

The implications are potentially significant. First, ask yourself a few questions. Are you ready for this legal commitment? Do you want to bind your lives together with significant financial and other familial consequences? Marriage is a serious commitment with big responsibilities, and only you and your partner can answer these very personal questions for yourselves. For example, if you and your spouse later divorce, the court will make determinations about property distribution, alimony, or other responsibilities. Depending on your circumstances it might make sense to have a pre-marital agreement, which can customize your obligations and benefits.

For same-sex couples, the implications are even more significant, since a couple may have a legally recognized marriage in our state, but not by the federal government. There may be tax consequences, issues around adoption (some states and countries allow adoptions by single parents but not by same-sex-couples), immigration (for information on impacts, go to http://www.immigrationequality.org/issues/couples-and-families/should-we-marry/), needs-based public benefits (spousal income and assets may be counted as part of determining your eligibility), and other areas impacted by federal law.

How do we get married?

Go to the Circuit Court in the county you will be getting married in, not the county you live in, and apply for a marriage license. The process normally takes about 15 minutes. There is a 48 hour waiting period between when you receive your license and when it becomes valid. After it becomes valid, you can conduct your marriage ceremony. There is an application fee, which may vary by jurisdiction. Check with your local Circuit Court to determine the amount and their accepted methods of payment. Maryland does not require a blood test or witnesses. Once a marriage license is issued, it is valid for six months. If you do not conduct your marriage ceremony within that time, you will need to get a new license.

The required application information will include the names, address, and ages of both parties, whether the parties are related, the marital status, if either party was previously married (and additional information if yes), and social security numbers (if applicable). Individual Circuit Court web pages and contact information is available at http://www.courts.state.md.us/circuit/directory.html.

Will the Court marry us?

If you want to have the Court conduct a civil ceremony, you will need to make arrangements with the individual Circuit Court. The hours, location and fees vary by court.

What if we had a religious ceremony or another non-legally recognized commitment ceremony?

If you wish to be married, then you will need to obtain a marriage license and have a religious or civil marriage ceremony.

What if we have a civil union or registered domestic partner status from another state or we have an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership in Maryland?

As long as you wish to marry the same person that you entered into the civil union or domestic partner registry with, you can proceed with obtaining a marriage license in Maryland. Having marital status will provide stronger legal protections for your family. If you need to dissolve previous civil unions with other partners, you should contact an attorney on how to proceed.

If we already were married somewhere else, do we need to remarry in Maryland?

No, your marriage, as long as it was validly entered into in another state of the United States or in another country, is validly recognized here. You are legally married, and cannot seek to legally remarry.

Can I register my out-of-state or other country marriage?

You do not need to register your foreign marriage in order for it to be recognized in Maryland.

If we aren’t residents of Maryland, can we marry there?

Maryland does not have a residency requirement. Generally, you will need to obtain a marriage license in the county you plan to marry in, and wait 48 hours for the license to become valid. A word of caution, there are some states that impose criminal penalties on their residents if they enter a marriage outside the state that would have been prohibited in the state, and these may be interpreted to apply to marriages of same-sex couples who live in those states. It’s a good idea to check your local state laws. Additionally, if you choose to marry in Maryland as a non-resident, it might present issues for you in the future if you ever decide to divorce, depending on what state you reside in.

Will my marriage be recognized for federal purposes?

As a result, the 1,138 benefits that the federal government provides to married couples will continue to be denied to same-sex married couples, even though you will have all the state rights according to your marriage in Maryland.

Will my marriage be recognized by other states?

Your marriage will be recognized by states that provide recognition to same-sex marriage (for example, the states that have same-sex marriage). It will not be recognized in the states that specifically do not recognize same-sex marriage. For a summary of state recognition, visit http://www.lambdalegal.org/publications/lambda-legals-safety-scale.

Once we’re married, are we fully legally protected?

Unfortunately, no. Because of DOMA and the non-recognition of same-sex marriages by many states, it will continue to be necessary to take extra steps to make sure your family is protected. Our families are also more likely to confront challenges such as family hostility so that the necessity for careful estate planning is especially necessary. You still should do your estate planning documents – a will, durable power of attorney, and a health care advanced directive. If you plan to have children, it’s essential to obtain a second parent adoption. A birth certificate is not sufficient protection. It is also extremely difficult for a nonbiological/de facto parent to be protected without a second parent adoption.

A couple contemplating marriage should consider speaking to an attorney to ensure they are aware of all of the implications of choosing to marry.

Information provided by Susan Silber and Susan Francis of Silber Perlman, Sigman & Tilev

This is not legal advice, and should not be relied upon as such.

Equality Maryland Celebrates Historic Win

Kim Miller — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 02:50:09 -0500

For Immediate Release

November 7, 2012

Contact:

Carrie Evans, Executive Director (m) 443-514-4999

Organization Elated That Same-Sex Couples Have the Protections of Marriage

Baltimore – Today the majority of Maryland voters upheld The Civil Marriage Protection Act. In response to this historic moment, Equality Maryland Board President David Lublin and Executive Director Carrie Evans made the following statements:

David Lublin

“Tonight the citizens of Maryland made history by voting to uphold the Civil Marriage Protection Act. By allowing same-sex couples the freedom to marry, Maryland becomes the first state in the United States to approve marriage equality in a popular vote,” Lublin said. “Maryland once again upholds is nickname as the Free State – where citizens are free to love regardless of gender or sexual orientation.”

Carrie Evans

“With this vote, Marylanders rose up and declared that that every family deserves to be treated equally under the law,” Evans said. “Voters from every corner of the state, from every political persuasion, every race and every religion voted for marriage equality.”

“This campaign started in 2004 when LGBT couples sued for the right to marry. We lost that legal battle, but eight years later we won the support of the General Assembly and of the majority of Maryland voters.”

“This victory is a testament to the power of broad coalitions and thousands of supporters. With scores of religious and faith, civic, political, labor, business and civil rights organizations working together, we were able to appeal to the hearts and minds of Marylanders and achieve victory. A special thanks needs to be given to the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland (ACLU-MD), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) for their immense contributions to the campaign. Their support was instrumental to ensuring that we had a winning campaign. Equality Maryland applauds the thousands of supporters whose tenacity over the years and months is a testament to the ability of like-minded people to create social change. “

“And throughout this campaign, we have been fortunate to have Governor O’Malley as our leader, championing our cause here at home and across the country. The Governor helped lead the Civil Marriage Protection Act through the General Assembly and remained our top supporter during this referendum campaign. His passion for fairness never wavered and he worked as hard as any paid staff or volunteers on ensuring Question 6 won.”

Make Your Vote Count: Early Voting Extended

Mike Klein — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 03:12:00 -0400

UPDATE:

Early voting resumes early tomorrow morning, October 31st, at 8:00 a.m. and we need you to get out and vote.

Early voting has been extended by one full day and so have the hours for every remaining day.

Wednesday, October 31st - 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m
Thursday, November 1st - 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, November 2nd - 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Please make sure you vote early if you are unable to vote on November 6th.

Pledge Your Support to These Young People!

Kim Miller — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:54:00 -0400

EQMD has been sharing the stories of Ivette, J.J., Kevin and Edwin. We want to educate our supporters on why supporting LGBT undocumented immigrant students is important. Please take a moment to meet these young people (through their stories and videos), here. Pledge your support of these students.

Question 4: Supporting Dreams

Kim Miller — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:06:19 -0400

November 6^th will be a historic Election Day for Maryland's LGBT communities and our allies. Voters will decide whether the Civil Marriage Protection Act (Question 6) is upheld. Voters will also decide whether to uphold the Dream Act (Question 4). The mission of Equality Maryland centers on making life better for all LGBT Marylanders. To this end, Equality Maryland supports Question 4 and I am urging Maryland’s LGBT communities and our allies to do the same.

There are several reasons why Equality Maryland supports Question 4. One centers on our mission— to work for equality for all LGBT Marylanders, which includes undocumented, immigrant LGBT students. These individuals are a segment of the LGBT community that many people never think about. These young people came to the United States as children. Many had to learn a new language; adapt to a new culture. And on top of all of that, they also had to come to terms with being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Now, most LBGT folks in Maryland did not have to confront the challenges of a new language and culture, but all of us can identify with the challenges of sharing our lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender identities with our families and friends. We know how difficult the coming out process can be, if not in our own experience, then in the experiences of others we care about. And many incredible undocumented young people who EQMD is working with did exactly that. They live openly as LGBT, even though they lack the legal protections that come with documented immigration status.

Another reason Equality Maryland supports The Dream Act is to show solidarity with Maryland’s immigrant communities and the organizations that serve them. CASA of Maryland, for example, has publically, consistently, and unapologetically supported LGBT equality. Further, Latinos in Maryland view marriage equality as an issue of fairness. Currently, a majority of Latinos in the state support Question 6 (marriage equality). EQMD views the Dream Act the same way; it is an issue of fairness.

To help you understand why we view Question 4 as one of fairness, I hope you will visit our website to learn more about this issue. In the coming weeks, I will introduce you to four Maryland LGBT undocumented immigrant students who share their stories filled with determination, perseverance and hope.

We will also be holding several free screening of Papers: Stories of Undocumented Youth in Rockville, College Park and Baltimore followed by town-hall discussions during the month of October.

I will be spending weekends in October knocking on doors of voters in LGBT and progressive neighborhoods asking them to support Question 4. If you want to help in these efforts, please email me.

Stand with us and this segment of our community by voting for Question 4.

Online Auction

Kim Miller — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 02:21:16 -0400

EQMD has some great things available for your bidding pleasure

http://benefitevents.com/auctions/equalitymd/

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 16

Mike Klein — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 11:08:40 -0400

Please be sure to register to vote by 9:00 pm on October 16 and VOTE FOR QUESTION 6!

How to Register

http://elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/index.html

Don't know if you are registered?

https://voterservices.elections.state.md.us/VoterSearch

No Regrets

Kim Miller — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 03:25:00 -0400

We are less than 50 days from Maryland voters deciding whether to uphold The Civil Marriage Protection Act. The battle for marriage equality has been a long and ardous journey for many of us and let's work to wake up on November 7th with no regrets. I know that many of you are working hard with Equality Maryland and the campaign, and we thank you. But every single one of us needs to dig a bit deeper and find the time to help us talk to more than 1 million voters by Nov. 6th.

We must push ourselves to work those extra hours each day knowing that when we win on Nov. 6th, marriage equality will be a reality in our state. On January 1, 2013 it will be the law and we can move on to other issues of importance to LGBT Marylanders and our families. I know that everyone is busy, but for the next weeks we have to get this done once and for all.

We have fought too hard to lose this at the 5 yard line. Please commit to digging deeper and finding the time and energy to help us win in November.

Weekends of Action

On Saturdays and Sundays throughout the rest of September and October, join EQMD and Marylanders for Marriage Equality, over 140 coalition partners, and volunteers across the state to knock on doors and talk with voters about voting FOR Question 6.

Voter contact is a crucial component of this campaign. Our opponents will spend millions on TV and radio ads that will mislead voters. We need to be on the ground talking to Marylanders and making sure they get the facts about voting FOR Question 6.

Will you join us for a Weekend of Action - or even join us for all of them?

Phone Banks

D.C. Phone Bank at HRC
Wednesdays
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
1640 Rhode Island Ave NW
RSVP: kate.kramer@hrc.org

Baltimore City Phone Banks:
Monday – Friday
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Sundays
12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.
2400 Boston Street, Suite 101D
RSVP: malachi@mdfme.org

Columbia Phone Banks:
Mondays
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
7246 Cradlerock Way
RSVP: amy@mdfme.org

Silver Spring Phone bank
Monday – Friday
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
8720 Georgia Ave, Ste. 900
RSVP: andrew@mdfme.org

Hyattsville Phonebank
Thursdays 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
4301 Garden City Dr.
RSVP: shelena@mdfme.org

There are many other events and volunteer opportunities all over the state:

for campaign events, click here.

for EQMD events, click here.

And of course, we still need to raise money for TV ads, donate here.

Walk in Brendon's shoes!

Kim Miller — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 09:49:00 -0400

Imagine our delight in 2009 when Brendon Ayabandejo reached out to Equality Maryland asking how he can help us! Since that time we have witnessed his fierce advocacy for LGBT people and our families. Many of you have seen the national headlines in the past week as he has stood strong and proud of his support of LGBT and marriage equality!

Brendon has donated autographed cleats and gloves he wore in a game to Equality Maryland to help us raise money to continue the fight for equality!

Until Monday night these items will be auctioned online, so if you want to walk in Brendon's shoes (size 13 in case you were wondering!) or slip those gloves on for your own game get to bidding! CLICK HERE TO BID ON THESE FABULOUS ITEMS!