Maryland Attorney General rules that state may acknowledge same-sex marriages

According to The Baltimore Sun, Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler released a long-awaited opinion yesterday stating that Maryland must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.  The ruling did not deal with the issue of whether or not same-sex marriages could take place in Maryland.  While at first there was some confusion about whether or not the ruling had the force of law, Gansler later clarified that the recognition of same-sex marriages should begin immediately.  

One Republican was so angered by the ruling that he has called for the Attorney General's impeachment.  Some opponents of same-sex marriage are concerned that Maryland couples will simply marry in nearby Washington DC, where same-sex marriage is set to begin next month, then return to their home state.  One such opponent, State Senator Norman Stone, said that if people "strongly believe in same-sex marriages, they should go live in those states" that allow it.  Said another, "It is going to end up on referendum, and I am going to win,"

For their part, supporters of same-sex marriage hope to pass a bill that would make performing same-sex marriage legal in Maryland.