Olszewski to Offer Amendment to Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Del. John Olszewski Jr. said this morning that he will introduce an amendment to the same-sex marriage bill when the measure comes up for a final vote in the House of Delegates later this morning.

Olszewski, a Dundalk Democrat, said his amendment will expand protections to religious institutions "who do not wish to celebrate same-sex marriages because of their sincerely-held beliefs."

Currently, the bill offers some protections to churches and some specific religious-related businesses and institutions such as halls and retreats. Olszewski's amendment would offer blanket protection by striking those specifically named in the bill.

The House is expected to take up the bill for a final vote on the Senate version this morning.

If Olszewski's amendment is passed, the bill would have to return to the Senate for approval or even a conference committee.

Some legislative leaders said they are concerned that the Senate won't have time to take up an amended version because of its work on the budget, and a fear that filibuster on the same-sex marriage bill would grind Senate business to a halt.

Olszewski, a Methodist, declined to say how he would vote.

"I'm not promising I'll vote for the bill even if my amendment passes," Olszewski said. He also declined to say if he would vote against the bill should his amendment fail.

"All I can say is this amendment is very important to me," Olszewski said.