Gov. Martin O’Malley (pic) says legalizing gay marriage in Maryland is a matter of protecting children. O’Malley said his proposed bill will offer certain legal protections to children of gay couples, providing parity with children of married, heterosexual parents. He testified before the Senate Judicial Proceeding Committee. Last year, the Senate passed a version of the bill, but it stalled in the House over a few legislators’ religious beliefs. This year’s bill offers additional protection to religious institutions that do not support same-sex unions by adding language that draws on similar legislation passed in other states. <\/p>\n