Monday, April 16, 2012

Maryland Court of Appeals to hear same-sex divorce case

Source: Md. High Court Poised to Hear Lesbian Divorce Case, by The Associated Press, found at npr.com

The Court of Appeals of Maryland recently heard arguments from from lawyers for a lesbian couple seeking a divorce. The lesbian couple was married in California in 2008. Maryland does not recognize same-sex marriage, however some judges in the state have granted divorces to same-sex couples. This couple was denied a divorce in 2010. The judge determined that the marriage is not valid under Maryland law. So far, in Maryland, the determination of whether a same-sex couple will be granted a divorce depends on the judge that they draw in their case.

But lawyers for the women are arguing that the state should recognize all gay marriages performed elsewhere even though Maryland does not allow same-sex weddings at the present time. As a result, the couple should be allowed to divorce in the state.

Six states and the District of Columbia currently permit gay couples to marry. Those states are Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. Lawmakers in Washington state have also passed a law permitting gay couples to marry, but it doesn't take effect until June and could be put on hold by a proposed voter referendum seeking to overturn the law.

For the full article, click here.