Marriage Equality in Maryland...Almost

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS FINALLY LEGAL IN MARYLAND!!!

Well...almost.

While there is much rejoicing within the Pagan community, its critical to note the uncertainty (I know, way to be a downer!) of this decision. Despite being passed by the house and senate and approved by Governor O'Malley via (upcoming) signature, there is an important, irritating caveat - the new law will not go into effect until January1, 2013. Why is this delay so crucial? Because this means its going to referendum - yep, that dreaded stage made infamous by California's Prop 8. At least Maryland isn't granting marriages and then deeming them null and void. (Seriously? Where does that whole 'love thy neighbor' bit come into play?)

So unlike our New York neighbors to the north, whose victory was declared in honor of my birthday this past Litha (thanks NY!) Marylanders are going to have to wait for our fate to be decided by the masses. Why exactly civil rights issues protecting the rights of the minority are decided upon by the majority is beyond this HPS. Granted, it is quite disappointing (though not surprising) that "gay" marriage* passed in the New Jersey House and Senate, only to be vetoed by Gov. Christie, and now also falls in the hands of New Jersey voters come November. But while I'm displeased with the governor's decision, he is following due process - I don't agree leaving that vote up to New Jersey residents either. We elect these officials for a reason - we trust them to make decisions in our best interest. Does this always transpire? Of course not. But until we unroot and revamp the system, let's stop doing ridiculous maneuvers like putting decisions up to a general vote like a bunch of sore losers.

I'm looking at you, Maryland.

Rants aside, where does this leave us as Pagans and Maryland residents and constituents? While I admittedly celebrate this victory (and am proud and grateful of all the hard work of organizations like Equality Maryland and the HRC for all their work to help achieve it) as clergy I urge all of us not to sit back and declare this peaceful fight over. This is a call to arms - to keep pushing for equality and take it to the streets. We are the Weavers - its up to us to stand up for the oppressed and promote equality and love in our communities and beyond.

In the upcoming months, a media war is sure to commence. If you're gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or a straight ally, stand up and be counted. Let's perform public rituals. Let's mobilize our covens and circles. I am incredibly honored to be recognized as Pagan clergy, and thus among some of the most progressive and love-driven spiritual leaders I've ever encountered. As an openly bisexual Wiccan HPS, I made a vow long ago not to even consider getting married until it was legal for all humans, as well as not to perform commitment ceremonies until that day comes. New York, once my home, has answered the call. Now its time for my hometown to do the same.

Blessed be, weavers! May we unite and celebrate this victory while re-committing to freedom!

KP

* I'm not a huge fan of "gay marriage" because it implies every member of a same sex couple self-identifies as "gay". "Same sex" is preferable (though I suppose this isnt particularly trans or intersex friendly) and "marriage equality" is my prefered terminology.