Maryland Governor Set To Sign Same-Sex Marriage Bill Into Law

While New Jersey gays and lesbians are waiting for Gov. Chris Christie to change his mind about approving a same-sex marriage bill (he issued a conditional veto and has said he'd put the matter up for a referendum), Maryland isn't waiting. They're joining with New York and several other states in enacting same-sex marriage legislation. Governor Martin O'Malley is set to sign the legislation into law this evening - though it would take effect January 2013. Opponents are hoping to gather sufficient signatures to overturn the law:

Though both the House and the Senate chambers are dominated by Democrats, same-sex marriage was not an easy sell for the Democratic governor. In the end, two House Republicans bucked their party and voted for it -- ensuring passage. The Senate wrestled with the issue last year, and passed it with less drama this time.

But even with the governor's signature, same-sex couples won't get Maryland marriage certificates until the law goes into effect in January 2013 -- at the earliest.

Fired-up opponents have pledged to collect 100,000 signatures opposing the bill by June 30 -- about twice what they would need to trigger a state-wide referendum on the topic. On Wednesday several powerful groups joined forces to accomplish that goal.

UPDATE:
For what it's worth, support for gay marriage in New Jersey is increasing, which makes any potential referendum in the state more likely to approve gay marriage.