Third GOP lawmaker supports Maryland marriage equality bill

On Feb. 14, Del. Bob Costa (R) voted for the bill in committee, saying, "I represent constituents and not a party."

Today, Del. Wade Kach (R) announced that he would be supporting the Civil Marriage Protection Act. Marylanders for Marriage Equality, the coalition working to pass the bill, issued a statement.

Sen. Allan Kittleman (R) was the sole Republican supporting marriage equality last year and, according to Marylanders for Marriage Equality, reaffirmed his unwavering support at a rally in Lawyer's Mall on Monday evening.

Interestingly, when Del. Sam Arora (D) campaigned for office in 2010, Equality Maryland endorsed him because he indicated support for marriage equality, and he even co-sponsored the legislation when it was first introduced last year. But when it came time to vote, Arora wavered and ultimately conceded that he opposed marriage equality and only wanted to support civil unions.

But now the question has come back around, and the stakes are high for Arora. The Maryland House of Delegates is set to begin debate on marriage equality legislation today with a vote by tomorrow, and at last count, the bill is one vote short of passage. Sam Arora could be the necessary last vote.

Will he honor his promises to his constituents? We'll know soon.