[Update: Out of committee via a 12 to 10 vote!]
I saw the news over at Maryland Politics Watch, here's the statement as reported by John Wagner at the Post:
"As the vote drew nearer, I wrestled with this issue in a way I never had before, which led me to realize that I had some concerns about the bill," said Arora, who is a co-sponsor of the legislation.
Arora said that he personally prefers civil unions as an alternative to allowing gay couples to marry but decided voters should have "a direct say."
"On the floor, I will vote to send the bill to the governor so that Marylanders can ultimately decide this issue at the polls," he said. "I think that is appropriate."
In recent days, Arora had pledged to vote for the bill in committee but left open the possibility he would oppose it on the floor. That brought a torrent of criticism on his Facebook page and through other means.
Good work everyone. If you have contacted officials and they do the right thing, it's probably worth a quick note of thanks in follow-up if you feel it to be appropriate. For everyone else, the pressure is lightened a bit, but sending at least a quick email if you haven't already will probably help deter more surprises.
If we get this through, we totally need a party to celebrate. Although given current circumstances if I host it we may end up doing it a month or two late. So until that moment comes, I'd like to thank everyone that contacted their delegates, alerted their friends, and did their part to move this civil rights issue forward. We haven't won yet, and even if the bill passes there will be a state-wide vote, but we've already come a long way and I appreciate everything that you all have done.
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