He has been heavily courting the gay community for donations and votes in his reelection campaign but has stopped short of fully embracing marriage rights. The likelihood that the issue could land on the November ballot in Maryland presents a potential dilemma for President Obama. Ministers of several African American megachurches in Prince George’s County as well as conservative and Catholic groups have vowed to help repeal the measure. With polls showing the Maryland electorate almost evenly split on the issue, a referendum all but promises another contentious battle before the issue is settled in the state. To win some of the final votes needed for passage in the House of Delegates last week, backers agreed to conditions that could help opponents place the new law on the November ballot. Martin O’Malley (D) has vowed to sign it into law. The Senate passed the measure by a vote of 25 to 22 Thursday night, and Gov. Maryland will join seven states and the District in allowing same-sex marriage, ending a year-long drama in Annapolis over the legislation and expanding nationwide momentum for gay rights.
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