Maryland AG says the state will recognize same-sex marriages

Maryland's Attorney General, Douglas F. Gansler (D), says that the state will begin to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, effective immediately. The opinion given by the AG does not allow same-sex marriages to be performed in the state, nor is it the law. Instead, it is an instruction to the courts and state agencies about how to proceed in matters regarding same-sex couples married in other states. This opinion is especially important because of Maryland's proximity to Washington, D.C which will begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in March. Next month, the House Judiciary Committee in MD will consider a bill that would allow same-sex marriages to be performed in that state.

Equality Maryland & Freedom to Marry have both praised AG Gansler's opinion.

Texas AG intervenes in same-sex divorce case... again.

The Advocate's Julie Bolcer reports that Texas AG Greg Abbott has intervened in a second same-sex divorce case. The first case involved two men who filed for a divorce and it was granted by Judge Tena Callahan. Abbott said then, as he does now, that it is the wrong legal remedy because the couples were not legally married in Texas. Instead, Abbott says the marriage should be made legally void. The couple in the most recent case are two women who were married here in Massachusetts and now seek a divorce. More details about the couples and the interventions can be read in the full article on The Advocate's webiste.