O’Malley’s proposed budget requires General Assembly approval by April 13, when the legislature adjourns for the year.

The governor’s plan fulfills a campaign pledge to the LGBT community.  O’Malley previously was mayor of Baltimore where he passed a similar benefits plan.  A number of other local governments in the state also provide partner benefits.

The governor previously attempted to introduce benefits in 2006 but that and other LGBT bills failed in the legislature.

Republicans continue to oppose providing benefits.

House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D) and Senate Budget and Taxation Committee Chair Ulysses Currie (D) have voiced support, though Currie said that it is still early in the budget process.

Maryland would join fifteen other states and the District of Columbia in offering health benefits to state employees if the bill is enacted.

“This opportunity to expand health care will only require a minimal state investment, since Maryland can expect a less than 1 percent increase in enrollment, based upon other states’ experiences,” said Equality Maryland Executive Director Kate Runyon. 

“While Maryland’s investment will be small, it will have a huge impact on the health of many state employees who have been struggling to make ends meet and find quality, affordable care for their families.”

O’Malley’s proposed budget went to the legislature as hundreds of gays lobbied lawmakers for marriage equality legislation. A proposed bill failed to gain traction last year, despite having 49 cosponsors. A similar bill is to be introduced this year.

Among those joining the demonstrators was Gene Robinson, the openly gay Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire who was invited inside to deliver the prayer in the Senate.

Robinson asked God to bless the legislators with “anger at discrimination in all its forms.” and for lawmakers to be blessed with “freedom from fear,” including fear of their next election and criticism from unpopular votes – both thinly veiled references to the marriage bill.

The legislation was filed by Councilman Joe Cimperman.  He said it would help Cleveland’s bid to host the 2014 Gay Games. The cash strapped city is anxious to host the games, estimated to bring in millions of dollars from LGBT athletes and fans from around the world.

“We are trying to show that we are a serious city when it comes to tolerance,” Cimperman told The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

The partner registry has the support in principle of Cleveland mayor Frank Jackson, although he said that he wants to review the measure to be sure it does not conflict with Ohio’s ban on same-sex marriage.

The registry would be open to all same-sex couples who live in the city.  They would have to show they are in an interdependent relationship and live together. Each partner would have to be 18 or older and attest they are not already married.

It would not require city government or private businesses to provide spousal benefits to same-sex couples, but it could be used as proof of a relationship at those companies which do offer partner benefits. 

 If the measure passes, it would make Cleveland the third city in the state to have a partner registry.

In 2003, voters Cleveland Heights approved a partner registry. A conservative council member sued to overturn the vote, but lost in court and was defeated in the next election.

In 2008, Toledo City Council approved a similar registry.

The measure, proposed by Mayor Buddy Dyer, was unanimously accepted by city council Monday.

“I think it’s the right thing to do,” said Dyer.

The move makes Orlando the first local government in Central Florida to provide the benefits, although about two dozen other cities in the state already provide similar benefits.

To join the plan, gay and lesbian employees will have to sign an affidavit swearing they are in a long-term, committed relationship.

Lesbian city commissioner Patty Sheehan said the change will not affect a large number of employees, but is still meaningful and to those workers’ families who will benefit.

“It’s a matter of life and death to them,” Sheehan said.

The change will cost the city an estimated $37,000; its health insurance costs are currently $33million.

It will not apply to unmarried heterosexual employees. Dyer said that opposite-sex couples have the legal option to marry, unlike gays.

A group fighting for an amendment to the state constitution accused the mayor of trying to influence the vote.

“It sounds like it is very strategically timed to interject himself into this amendment,” John Stemberger of Florida4Marriage said.

The landmark hearing was called by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and titled “Domestic Partner Benefits for Federal Employees: Fair Policy and Good Business.” It was coordinated by Committee Chair Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Ranking Member Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).

The hearing is considered an important and necessary step toward enactment of equal employment benefits for LGBT federal civilian employees.

“This legislation, which is long overdue, would bring the federal government up to the standards of America’s leading employers, who provide these benefits in order to recruit and retain the most talented workforce possible,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, in written testimony submitted to the the committee.

“Equal pay for equal work is a value fundamental to American opportunity.  The federal government should be the standard bearer for fair workplace practices.  As long it denies gay and lesbian employees the comprehensive family benefits that their heterosexual colleagues receive, the federal government will fall short of that standard, and continue to lag behind the nation’s top employers.”

The benefits for federal employees would include family health insurance, pension and survivor benefits and relocation expenses for families who are transferred.  And for State Department employees abroad it would include access to anti-terrorism and language training, medical facilities, and evacuation services.

“I welcome this Senate hearing and consider it one more step in our march toward full equality,” said Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) who authors the companion bill, H.R. 4838, in the House.

“Only when we eliminate discriminatory practices in the workplace will we allow both employees and businesses to reach their full potential.  As an employer, the federal government must not only set an example, but must compete with corporate America for the best-qualified workforce.  Offering domestic partner benefits is a means toward both ends.”