Marylanders for Marriage Equality Release New Video

New video features African Americans saying why they support same-sex marriage

A new video from Marylanders for Marriage Equality features state residents saying why they support same-sex marriage.

"As an African-American male, I know what it's like to be discriminated against," says one man featured in the video. "I don't believe anyone should be discriminated against, for race, religion, creed or sexual orientation."

The group is distributing it on the web, via social media, and are considering taking it to TV. They're also taking it door-to-door via iPad.

In a message on the marriage group's website, Dr. Julian Bond, chairman emeritus of the NAACP, says he believes that opponents of same-sex marriage want to divide African Americans and the gay community, two traditionally Democratic strongholds.

"This harms our culture and such divisive tactics should not be tolerated," Bond writes. "We must bring people together around our shared values of family and fairness, which this video illustrates."

We showed the video to some voters in Prince George's County.

"I think that it was a very positive video and it actually gives several aspects as to why it should be approved," said Patrice Wilson.

Maryland resident James Jackson,  however, said the video didn't change his mind. "I'm against it," he said.

The Maryland Legislature approved same-sex marriage this year, but opponents led by the members of the clergy in Prince George's County gathered more than 162,000 signatures on a petition to put the issue to a referendum vote.

"I predict just like in 32 other times it's gone to a vote, people are going to come out and vote strong, and they're going to vote that marriage is between one man and one woman," said Rev. Derek McCoy, chairman of the Maryland Marriage Alliance.

Sultan Shakir, a member of the group that launched the new video, said he's met with some members of the clergy who say they believe in the separation of church and state. "...Maybe they will never perform a same sex wedding on their congregation, in their church, but [they think] that the government should respect the rights of everybody and allow same sex couples to marry," he said.

Maryland voters will make a final decision on marriage equality in a referendum Nov. 6.

You can see the video below:

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