Maryland Poised to Become Cultural Ground Zero in 2012

Maryland is poised to become ground zero for cultural issues next year, with a voter referendum set to determine tuition rates for illegal immigrants and another potentially on the way to decide whether same-sex couples can marry in the state.

With the announcement that Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley will sponsor a same-sex marriage bill next year, opponents are already gearing up for a voter challenge to what nearly became law this year.

"I believe it has a good chance of passing," acknowledged Del. Pat McDonough, R-Baltimore County, a vocal opponent of same-sex matrimony. "If if does pass, it'll definitely end up in a voter referendum. Conservatives and religious people against gay marriage are going to show up to vote en masse."

Such a push would mirror a successful campaign by opponents of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, who gathered more than 100,000 signatures against the controversial legislation -- more than double the total needed to land the issue on the ballot in 2012.

However, some say it would be unwise to view the tuition debate as a precursor to efforts to block gay marriage, assuming it is approved by the General Assembly next year.

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