National Catholic Reporter's Maureen Fielder reads a recent WaPo editorial:
[It] urged Maryland to live up to its moniker, “The Free State,” by approving marriage equality. I found some of The Post’s revelations especially interesting. It seems that the homophobic speech and false arguments touted by some opponents are turning skeptics into supporters. According to The Post, “several formerly undecided lawmakers have listened to the arguments of opponents - and recoiled at the vitriol they heard. State Sen. James Brochin, a Baltimore County Democrat who previously backed same-sex civil unions but not marriage, changed his mind after taking in what he called the "appalling" views of opponents at a Senate hearing. 'Witness after witness demonized homosexuals, vilified the gay community and described gays and lesbians as pedophiles,' he said in a statement …”
However, even if marriage equality becomes law, opponents can force a public referendum on the issue. That is, by any measure, a tougher struggle. But maybe, just maybe, too much vitriol from opponents can turn off voters as surely as it has turned off state legislators.
In the above Youtube, "Republican Sen Allan Kittleman (District 9) comes out in favor of SB 116, the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage which would grant full marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples in the state of Maryland." Kevin Naff notes:
As the Senate inches closer to a vote, the concerns about a protracted, pitched battle have given way to a sense of inevitability. Maryland’s lieutenant governor, attorney general and former Senate minority leader have all spoken publicly about their support for marriage equality.
Earlier Dish coverage here.