A new poll by Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies finds voters in Maryland about evenly divided over allowing same-sex marriage.
The poll found 48 percent of Maryland residents who vote regularly favor a law allowing same-sex marriages, and 49 percent are against allowing them.
The poll founds a notable difference by race, with 51 percent of white voters approving but only 41 percent of African-American voters approving.
The Washington Post reports Gov. Martin O'Malley is planning to sponsor a same-sex marriage bill in the next legislative session.
The opinion of voters could become particularly relevant if it passes, because opponents have vowed to take advantage of a provision in the state Constitution that allows citizens to petition just-passed laws to the ballot.
With enough signatures, same-sex marriage would be subject to a statewide vote in November 2012.
The telephone poll of 805 registered voters was conducted September 19-27, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 points.
