Maryland lawmakers are expected to vote on Monday on legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state.
The Maryland General Assembly is expected to consider the bill on Monday, according to the Associated Press.
According to The Washington Post, the bill would legalize gay marriage in Maryland and other states that have already legalized it.
The bill would also allow same-gender couples to adopt children.
The legislation was first introduced in April.
“Today, the Maryland General House voted to legalize the marriages of same- and opposite-sex couples in Maryland.
This legislation would not change the state’s current ban on same- sex marriage.
It is important to us that all of our citizens are treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
That is why we introduced this bill, and why we hope to see it signed into law as soon as possible,” Governor Larry Hogan said in a statement.”
This bill would not create a legal barrier to same- gender couples or their children from being able to marry.
We are committed to ensuring that every person can be treated equally under the law,” Hogan added.
The bill would allow same sex couples to apply for marriage licenses in the first few months after the law was passed.
In the state, couples who have lived together for at least three years must wait at least seven years before applying for a license.
