Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley formally introduced a marriage equality bill late on Monday.
O'Malley, who has said nuptials for same-sex couples is a legislative priority, put forth the measure at the start of the General Assembly's legislative session. He is scheduled to meet with same-sex couples at his Annapolis residence later this morning.
A marriage equality bill failed in the state Legislature last year, but Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler told an audience at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C., last October that he expects the measure will pass this year.
Six states and the neighboring District of Columbia allow same-sex couples to legally marry. It appears likely that Washington will become the seventh state to allow gays and lesbians to the knot after state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen said she would support the measure.
