ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Same-sex couples can begin getting marriage licenses in Maryland, though they won't go into effect until Jan. 1.
Gov. Martin O'Malley on Thursday is scheduled to sign the proclamation affirming that Maryland voters approved same-sex marriage in a ballot question last month.
Attorney General Doug Gansler wrote in a legal opinion last week that the signature will officially enable couples to get a marriage license.
Gansler noted that clerks of court in Maryland counties will not be required to issue licenses before the Jan. 1 effective date of the law.
Montgomery County and Baltimore city, two of Maryland's largest jurisdictions, are allowing same-sex couples to get marriage licenses on Thursday.
