Same-sex marriage effort concludes without a vote

House returns legislation to panel that nearly killed it last week

A historic effort to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland is over for the year after the House of Delegates ended debate on Friday without taking a vote. Instead of approving or rejecting the legislation, as expected, the House moved it backward — returning it to the committee that nearly killed it last week. House Speaker Michael E. Busch said the chamber won't entertain it again during the 2011 session, which concludes next month. Full Story »

Posted by Andrew Hazlett
Andrew Hazlett
4.0
by Andrew Hazlett - Mar. 12, 2011

A detailed explanation of what's happened with the legislation and the reactions of all sides on the issue.

The decision angered observers on both sides, who said they wanted to see where each lawmaker stood. “Not exactly profiles in courage,” said Brown, of the ... More »

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Gin Ferrara
4.3
by Gin Ferrara - Mar. 12, 2011

A very thorough report on the last day of debate on the Same Sex Marriage bill, and the history of the bill to date. By getting quotes from politicians and advocates on both sides of the bill, and in varying degrees of support and opposition, Bykowicz give us a real understanding of the challenges we face as a state.

“Those who want to ride on our coattails are historically incorrect,” said Burns, an African-American Democrat from Baltimore County. He said gay people had not ... More »

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Anthony E. Laus
4.3
by Anthony E. Laus - Mar. 30, 2011

Solid journalism. The story was hard news and was about as impartial as possible. The story was clear and easy to read, although a bit wordy with all the quotes that were squeezed in. However, even with all the quotes they were still used in context of the story and gave me both sides of the issue of same-sex legisation issues in Maryland. The story was also relevant to me, a Maryland native, and also provided insight into House meetings. All in all, a good piece.

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Erica Glass
3.7
by Erica Glass - Mar. 13, 2011

engaging, you didnt lose my attention, there were some parts that got a little confusing but nothing too drastic

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Kelly Gray
4.7
by Kelly Gray - Mar. 14, 2011

I feel as if the same-sex marriage debacle is just another one of those issues that's going to take more time for people to adjust to and accept--the same way it took a long time for women/minorities to be given the same rights/opportunites as everyone else in this country. I can't imagine what it'd be like to constantly battle such adversity on a regular basis. So much for all men being created equal... We've come quite a long way, but apparently not far enough yet.

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Kathleen Jordan
3.9
by Kathleen Jordan - Mar. 13, 2011

I liked this story because it clearly is timely and the issue of legalizing gay marriage is becoming more and more relevant. This is good journalism because it gives imformation with depth and includes many resources- on both sides of the issue. That is key (getting each side) when reporting on controversies, especially in politics.

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Dana Kobilinsky
3.3
by Dana Kobilinsky - Mar. 14, 2011

The article has a large amount of sources and does a good job of avoiding personal bias. The lead could have been a little bit less confusing, but the next paragraph makes it more clear. Some aspects could be sourced better because the writer says that some leaders said something rather than giving an exact name. There are quotes from both sides of the issue. Paragraphs are short and concise.

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Ashley Stephenson
4.4
by Ashley Stephenson - Mar. 13, 2011

I really felt that this story was good journalism. It was well written, well sourced, and very relevant. You could tell that the journalist did their best to be fair and understand both sides, although you can taste a twinge of bias in there. I felt throughout the article that the journalist was definitely for gay marriage.

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Daile Teramo
4.0
by Daile Teramo - Apr. 28, 2011

This article shows good journalism. The interviews included in this article are resourceful because they come from those with political powers that are involved with the vote. The article also discusses each side of the debate in-depth. This is shown with interviews from supporters of same-sex marriage, Ruth Siegel and individuals who are against like Pastor Joel Peebles.

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Michael Nitti
4.0
by Michael Nitti - Mar. 13, 2011

The interviews included in this article are very respectable and resourceful coming from direct political powers involved in the decision on what to do with this new bill on same-sex marriage in Maryland. This article also represents both sides of the debate very well, interviewing both supporters of same-sex marriage such as Ruth Siegel and those who aren't all for it, such as Pastor Joel Peebles.

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Ashley Gerke
4.3
by Ashley Gerke - Mar. 14, 2011

Yes, I do believe the author of the story provides a good understanding of where he get's his information and he even includes an interview with a supporter of gay marriage, which is good feedback to provide.

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Sally Ford
4.0
by Sally Ford - Mar. 12, 2011

A very complete synopsis of this issue and the process.

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  • NO(-)VOTE — Same-sex marriage legislation dies in Maryland

    The failure of Maryland’s landmark same-sex marriage bill this past week was more than just a legislative miscalculation: It was a clear example of how interpersonal ...
    Posted by Andrew Hazlett