same-sex marriage

We follow up on three major ballot measures approved by Maryland voters last week. Now that same-sex marriage is legal, will there be a gay-friendly business boom? Will more gay and lesbian couples move to Maryland? Also, a look at what happens next with the passage of casino gambling expansion. And what does the Maryland Dream Act mean for high school students, the regional economy and the effort to pass a national Dream Act?

Maryland voters approved same-sex marriage at the ballot box on Tuesday, marking a shift in public opinion that’s been occurring over the last several years.  Same-sex marriage had been defeated 32 times by voters across the country prior to Tuesday night.  Now, Maryland will join eight other states and the District of Columbia in allowing same-sex marriage.

Web Extra: Beyer and Evans on the importance of hate crime legislation.

Midday continues its focus on the ballot questions facing Maryland voters on Election Day. We hear from both sides of the Civil Marriage Protection Act that would allow same-sex couples to marry in the state of Maryland, championed by Governor Martin O’Malley, passed by the legislature and petitioned to referendum by opponents. Our guests: Derek McCoy, leader of the Maryland Marriage Alliance, and Del. Maggie McIntosh (D-Baltimore City).

Governor O'Malley supports three controversial referenda on Maryland's ballot: the DREAM Act, expanded gaming, and same-sex marriage. Good luck finding a traditional Democratic constituency that supports all three. We'll talk to St. Mary's College of Maryland political scientist Todd Eberly about political pressure points created by these ballot questions.

Governor Martin O'Malley on his push for same sex marriage, his new gas tax proposal, and why talk of him running for president is distracting.

Bombs on the beach!

Discussing the potential of religious protections in the Maryland legislation regarding same-sex marriage.

How do you choose a book, and what role does criticism and awards play in the decision? Tom Hall talks with two book critics who specialize in books for the under-18 set–including one who’s a teenager herself. They give their picks for the Newbery and Caldecott, which are announced later this month.

Occupy Baltimore has been evicted. A look at what's next for the movement. And, the Maryland General Assembly returns to Annapolis on January 11. With same-sex marriage proponents pushing to get a marriage equality bill passed this year (and with Governor O'Malley's announcement that he would sponsor such a bill), same-sex marriage could end up alongside the Dream Act for voter referendum on the 2012 ballot. Could this help or hurt either cause?