Democrats Carry on Civil Rights Fight in Colleague's Honor

Maryland Democrats introduced legislation last Friday to legalize same-sex marriage in the state, and carrying on the civil rights fight for the late State Senator Gwendolyn Britt (D-Prince George's), who passed away January 12, and had planned to lead the effort.

Sponsors -- including Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D-Montgomery), Sen. Jamie B. Raskin (D-Montgomery), Del. Benjamin S. Barnes (D-Prince George's), Del. Heather R. Mizeur (D-Montgomery) and Del. Anne R. Kaiser (D-Montgomery) -- said 49 lawmakers have signed on to the legislation, which would remove language in the state code that limits marriage to unions between men and women.

The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act would also exempt religious leaders from having to perform or recognize same-sex unions.

At a news conference, lawmakers compared their cause to the work of Britt, who was arrested for riding a segregated merry-go-round in Glen Echo Park in 1960.