No-Shows Delay Md. Gay Marriage Vote

Vote shelved until later today

Maryland's House Judiciary Committee delayed a critical vote on the bill to legalize gay marriage after two supporters didn't show up for a morning meeting.

Delegate Jill Carter, D-Baltimore, and Delegate Tiffany Alston, D-Prince George's County, missed the planned vote Tuesday morning, leaving supporters at least two votes shy of the 12 they need to advance the bill.

After waiting 15 minutes – while ignoring heckles from the committee's Republican members – House Judiciary Committee Chairman Joseph Vallario said he was delaying the vote until later Tuesday.

Delegate Kathleen Dumais, D-Montgomery County, the panel's Vice Chairman, said she called the two lawmakers while the committee waited but could not find them.

Carter, a sponsor of the bill, said she is not voting for the bill until there is full funding for Baltimore schools, NBC Washington's Chris Gordon reported.

It is unclear whether supporters have the 12 votes they need to clear the committee -- Carter could be the swing vote.

House Speaker Michael Busch held a 90-minute closed-door meeting with Carter, Alston, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Joseph Vallario and other lawmakers.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us