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Same Sex Marriage Annapolis

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Protests Mark Start of Same-Sex Marriage in Annapolis

Church Circle filled with more than 250 people who came to protest a demonstration against same-sex marriage by the Westboro Baptist Church.

More than 250 counter-protesters greeted four members of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) with signs, church hymns and cookies in Annapolis on Wednesday morning. The WBC group came to Maryland's capital to protest at the Anne Arundel Circuit Court on Church Circle against same-sex marriage. Maryland voters upheld a law legalizing gay marriage in November, but the law took effect Tuesday. Since state offices were closed for New Year's Day, Wednesday was the first time couples could marry inside the courthouse. Shirley Phelps-Roper, the daughter of church founder Fred Phelps, sang songs and shouted that God sent the shooter to Newtown, CT, as Annapolis police officers kept passersby moving along the sidewalk in front of the …

In this Article:

St Anne's Episcopal Church, Heritage Baptist Church, Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, and 3 more ›

Roxy White

11:03 pm on Saturday, January 5, 2013

I know our particular group that attended was more about supporting the LGBT community members who were getting married as they entered the courthouse as opposed to giving Shirley Phelps-Roper the time of day.   more ›

Monday, December 31, 2012

Same-Sex Marriages Still Face Opposition in MD

Some deputy clerks in St. Mary's County have asked to be excused from performing gay marriages. No Anne Arundel County employees have come forward.

As circuit courts across Maryland prepare for the first same-sex couples to wed, some public employees are asking to be excused from performing the ceremonies. Deputy clerks in St. Mary's County have asked to be excused citing their religious opposition to gay marriage, according to The Washington Examiner. Circuit Court Clerk Joan Williams told The Examiner that she decided to excuse those employees from performing any marriage ceremonies, saying she respects their decision. Maryland voters upheld a law legalizing gay marriage on Nov. 6. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, but Circuit Courts across Maryland will be closed. The first time same-sex couples will be able to wed at the courthouses will be on Jan. 2. None of the eight employees…

In this Article:

Westboro Baptist Church to Picket in Annapolis Jan. 2, Religious Wedding Vendor Seeks Exemption for Gay Marriages, Same Sex Couples Register to Marry in Annapolis, and 4 more ›

J. Patrick Peters

8:28 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012

People who are paid by the taxpayers should be required to fullfill the duties of their job or find a new one. There are lots of things in my job description that I don't like to do but I am paid to do them. What other duties will Ms. Williams let them avoid doing if they just complain that it is against their "religious" beliefs. The law is the law. Obey it or quit - or get fired.   more ›

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