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Good news! Maryland’s highest court ruled Friday that same-sex couples can divorce in the state even though Maryland does not yet permit same-sex marriages.
Yes, we know it’s weird to be excited about divorce, but this decision on the part of the court shows clear recognition of same-sex marriages by the state, even though same-sex marriages aren’t currently legal in Maryland.
More after the jump.
According to The Washington Post, “The Court of Appeals ruled 7-0 that couples who have a valid marriage from another state can divorce in Maryland. The case involved two women who were married in California and denied a divorce in 2010 by a Maryland judge.”
The court’s ruling states that “A valid out-of-state same-sex marriage should be treated by Maryland courts as worthy of divorce, according to the applicable statues, reported cases, and court rules of this state.”
The court continued, saying, “Maryland courts should withhold recognition of a valid foreign marriage only if that marriage is ‘repugnant’ to state public policy.” (Think incest-marriages, etc.)
If all goes as planned, same-sex couples will be able to legally wed in Maryland starting in January, though opponents are attempting to gain support for a voter referendum in November.
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