Maryland has become a key state in the movement for marriage equality, and Maryland Democrats are true heroes in this effort.

Rich Madaleno has been a member of House of Delegates since January 8, 2003, representing Maryland's 18th district. I first met Rich on February 13th, 2004. I remember because he spoke at the Don't Amend Freedom to Marry Event that Jen Chapin Harris and I organized in Washington, DC. At the time, Rich made the case why we should be more focused on what's happening in Maryland, and he was right.

Rich, and other Maryland Democrats, have worked hard to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in Maryland. Which of course means the marriage equality case currently working it's way through the Maryland courts. is still viable.

Rich recently participated in an online chat sponsored by the Washington Post on this very issue. He gave this compelling quote:

I do not believe it is appropriate or proper to put provisions RESTRICTING rights into the Constitution. Questions related to the right of people to enjoy life, liberty and freedom are not issues to be decided by popularity contests - no matter how strongly people may believe they are right and others are wrong. What part of your life would you like to put up to a vote?