On Eve Of Gay Marriage Vote, 'Friendly' Amendment Offered

Undecided delegate says it would make bill stronger

As the House of Delegates prepared to vote Friday on legalizing same-sex marriage, a Baltimore County Democrat still weighing whether to support the bill offered an amendment that he said would further protect religious groups.

Del. John A. Olszewski Jr. said his amendment improves the bill. The House Judiciary Committee debated Thursday afternoon whether to embrace Olszewski's amendment as "friendly," even as Republican committee members cried foul.

The amendment strikes language in the bill that spells out what religious programs — including counseling and summer camp — are shielded from having to provide services to same-sex couples. By taking out those specifications, Olszewski believes, the overall religious protections would be stronger.
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