O'Malley Talks Gay Marriage Legislation

Gov. Martin O'Malley says a measure to legalize gay marriage in Maryland brings more clarity to the issue of protecting religious freedom than a bill that fell short in the General Assembly last year.

O'Malley, a Democrat, spoke about legislation he is supporting this year after breakfast this morning with same-sex marriage supporters at the governor's residence in Annapolis.

A same-sex marriage bill passed the Senate last year, but it stalled in the House of Delegates.

O'Malley says bill drafters were particularly focused on making sure religious freedom was protected to get the measure passed. He says bill drafters also wanted to make voters more comfortable with the measure because it's believed legislation will be petitioned to the ballot for a statewide vote if it passes.