Supporters of marriage equality rallied in Fountain Park in Chestertown on Saturday to spread the word for “Question 6” on the referendum ballot in November. If voters approve the referendum, same-sex marriage would become legal in Maryland on Jan. 31, 2013.
“VOTE-FOR-SIX-NOVEMBER-SIX,” were the chants of over 100 hundred supporters who heard local musicians, Pam and Bob Ortiz, play old songs popularized during the civil rights movement of the 1960s—as well as an original song by Pam Ortiz.
Maryland would become the seventh state in the nation, and the only state below the Mason-Dixon line, to legalize same-sex marriage.
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, PFLAG, organized the rally and is among several civil rights organizations in Maryland that waged a fierce battle to legalize same-same marriage leading up to passage on March 1–in one of the narrowest votes in the history of the General Assembly.
The new law would give members of the LGBT community the same rights, protections and benefits that heterosexuals are given in marriage.
After a narrow victory in the legislature, Gov. Martin O’Malley signed the landmark bill but the law was put on hold awaiting the outcome of a referendum fight, which some lawmakers demanded in exchange for an ‘up vote’ on the bill.
Supporters at Fountain Park on Saturday said they were certain Kent County and the rest of Maryland would vote for enactment of Civil Marriage Protection Act.
“The ‘Free State’ has always been progressive and Marylanders have chosen the right side of history,” a supporter said.
Rebecca Pitre says
Rally’s of any sort should have no place at a farmers market. My heart sank and I was so saddened to see this type of behavior.
Rebecca Pitre says
David, I’m very sorry to have upset you so. If you will read again my first entry, you will clearly see I said nothing about the content of the rally or the place it was held. I simply stated it shouldn’t have been scheduled at the same time the market is going on. Quite possibly I should have directed my comments to the town council or whom ever issued the permit. Again the content and/or place of the rally was of no issue to me.
Rebecca Pitre says
Again. I reiterate, the content and place of the political rally was of no issue to me, it was simply the time it was held.
Lauren Dutton says
This was a wonderful event! It was full of great music, positive energy, and truly showed how wonderful and unique the Chestertown community is on the Eastern Shore. Thanks Chestertown!
Bob Kramer says
Sorry we missed it Saturday. We were in Philly. However, we were right in the middle of their OutFest Street fair on Sunday. I’m kinda liking how Fountain Park is evolving into a park for everyone.
Jay Yerkes says
The rally was extremely heartwarming and peaceful.
I was proud to be there and support our brothers and sisters
And the rights to equality.
Jay Yerkes
Carl Crowe says
Well said, Jay.
Malcolm Kram says
The number of people and the level of participation at this event was amazing and thanks to all the organizers. We had guests from Seattle Washington that couldn’t wait to go the Chesteretown Farmer’s Market and when they got there they thought the Pflag celebration was just great and fit in perfectly with the entire Farmer’s Market atmosphere. It shows that both Kent County residents and others care and respect all people regardless of their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and ethnicity. Let us not forget that the Democratic and Republicans both had booths in Fountain Park at the time of the Farmer’s Market, so vote yes on 6 on November 6th made perfect sense.
Malcolm Kram
Betterton