Maryland House of Delegates may pass marriage equality this afternoon

The Maryland House of Delegates appears poised to pass same-sex marriage legislation when it meets late Friday afternoon.

Del. Tiffany Alston, a Prince George's County Democrat who previously opposed the bill and voted against it in committee, emerged from House Speaker Michael E. Busch's office and later offered a two-part amendment.

The first part prevents the law from going into effect if there is pending court litigation. A second part of the amendment would require judges to strike down the entire law should any part of it be illegal.

"(Alston's) vote was contingent on the passing of that amendment," said O'Donnell.

The House is scheduled to return for a final vote Friday at 4:30 p.m.