Maryland is set to become the sixth state to recognize full same-sex marriage.
A key senator announced his support for gay marriage legislation yesterday, giving it enough votes to go on to full Senate.
The declaration by Sen. James C. Rosapepe came shortly after a Senate committee approved an amended version of the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, setting up a debate in the full Senate next week.
The chamber could hold a final vote on the bill within the next 10 days.