Gay marriage makes a gain in state of Maryland

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Maryland's attorney general said yesterday that agencies in the state should recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

 This was a long awaited legal opinion of Attorney General Douglas F Gansler.   In his remarks Gansler concluded that until courts or legislature declares otherwise,  same sex marriages made legal by other states should be recognized by all of Maryland's state agencies.  

Saying that the highest court was likely to rule so, he admitted that it “is not free from all doubt.”

In Maryland,  the legal definition of "one man, one woman"  holds for marriage.  But like five other states,  gay marriage is not specifically addressed.  

Even though the Attorney General's opinion does not create or change law, it is used as a guide,  even by high courts,  and can be used as a defense.  There have been no legal rulings on gay marriage except that measure legalizing it have failed,  but partners in same sex couples have been extended rights.