Second Maryland GOP delegate backs gay marriage

ANNAPOLIS | A second House Republican said Thursday that he will support Gov. Martin O'Malley’s same-sex marriage bill.

Delegate A. Wade Kach, Baltimore County Republican, said he will vote for the legislation, which would make Maryland the eighth state along with the District to legalize gay marriage.

Mr. Kach voted against the bill during a Tuesday committee vote, but released a statement Thursday morning saying he is now convinced the bill will give gay couples a deserved right while still protecting religions that oppose gay marriage.

“My constituents sent me to Annapolis to represent them and use my best judgment,” he said. “They did not send me to sit in judgment of the lives of others.” He declined to comment further.

Mr. Kach joins Delegate Robert A. Costa as the second GOP delegate to speak in favor of the Democratic governor’s bill.

Mr. Costa, Anne Arundel Republican, voted in favor of the bill Tuesday during the committee vote that advanced it to the House floor.

The House was scheduled to debate the bill Thursday morning but postponed discussion to 5:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

The chamber could vote on the bill as soon as Friday.

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