A Maryland Senate committee approved the legalization of same-sex marriage Thursday afternoon, clearing the way for a full Senate vote on the measure.
The Judicial Proceedings Committee voted 7-4 to enable same-sex couples to legally marry in the state and receive the same benefits as opposite-sex couples.
The Senate is scheduled to take up the measure next week.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. told lawmakers Thursday to clear their calendars for the week, in expectation of a filibuster. Miller has said he will try to rally support for a cloture vote “once people start repeating themselves.”
The Maryland Senate has acquired the number of votes necessary to approve the bill according to an early tally, but debates could change votes. The House of Delegates has locked in at least 59 votes from its co-sponsors, and needs to reach 71 votes to achieve a majority.
