O'Malley open to recognizing gay marriage in Md.

WASHINGTON - Gov. Martin O'Malley said Monday he's open to recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states.

"I think that it's very difficult to deny equal rights to people when it comes to rights that are disbursed by a government rather than a faith or a church," O'Malley said Monday on WTOP's Ask the Governor Program. "If the person has these rights under another state, I think we're sort of pressed to deny those rights. So, yes, we probably should respect those rights."

O'Malley has been cold to the idea of legalizing same-sex marriages in Maryland, but has promoted the idea of civil unions.

"I believe that if we were to have civil unions, there would be no question about whether or not we would recognize unions in other states. And that's the way to move forward."

Before making any changes to state laws, O'Malley is waiting for an opinion from Maryland's attorney general.

"If the law allows that, then that's what we will do."

O'Malley's remarks come as a new law in the D.C. recognizing same sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions is set to take effect on Tuesday.

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