Maryland Gay Partner & Hate Crimes Bills Move Forward

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/03/032305maryland.htm

Maryland Senators gave preliminary approval today to a bill championed by gay rights advocates that would establish a limited domestic partner registry and give its members the authority to make medical decisions for each other.

"It's a way of saying we understand that at the worst time of your life, it's important to have the people you love close to you," said Sen. Paula Hollinger, a registered nurse whose committee handled the bill. She called the legislation "a sensitivity bill."

She and other supporters shrugged off concerns that the bill opens the door for recognition of same-sex unions. To make the legislation more attractive to conservative lawmakers, it includes language declaring that it "may not be construed to recognize, condone, or prohibit a domestic partnership, civil union, or marriage recognized in other states or jurisdictions."