Maryland
The following is an overview of the laws of the state of Maryland. It should not be used as legal advice and is provided as information only. Family Fairness does not warrant that this information is current or comprehensive.
Updated: 04/21/2009
Same-Sex Relationships
| Performs Same-Sex Marriages "Only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid in this state." Maryland Family Law, Section 2-201 |
No |
| Recognizes Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriage | No |
| Other Recognition: Domestic Partnerships Enacted a domestic partnership registry in 2008 providing that registered couples have the right to visit one another in the hospital, share a room in a nursing home, and make funeral decisions. Registered partners may also add each other to a deed to residential property without incurring tax obligations. Senate Bills 566 and 597. |
Yes |
Gay and Lesbian Adoption
| Single LGBT Adoption State law permits any single person to adopt. MD CODE ANN. FAM. LAW, § 5-331. There are also explicit protections prohibiting the denial of an adoption petition on the basis of sexual orientation. MD CODE REGS. 07.05.03.09(A)(2). |
Yes |
| Joint Same-Sex Adoption No explicit prohibition. Climate given adoption non-discrimination law is favorable. |
Maybe |
| Gay or lesbian adoption of a partner's child No explicit prohibition. Petitions have been selectively approved by lower courts, but no higher court has heard the issue. |
Maybe |
Housing Discrimination
| Protections on the basis of sexual orientation Md. Ann. Code art. 49B § 5 (2001). |
Yes |
| Protections on the basis of gender identity No explicit protections. |
No |
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