O’Malley’s civil marriage support: Too little, too late

Over summer break, thanks to the leadership and adept political skills of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, that state made history by becoming the largest yet to legalize marriage for same-sex couples. Tears, Champagne and a hint (OK, more than a hint) of glitter flowed throughout the Empire State as LGBT people and their allies celebrated both New York City pride and their major legislative victory.

But as I watched the images of loving couples celebrating their newfound freedom to marry, I found myself angry that similar celebrations did not occur this past March in Annapolis. With Democratic majorities in both houses of the General Assembly, it was upsetting that Gov. Martin O'Malley would not go further to help his LGBT (and LGBT-friendly) constituents.

Instead of forcefully advocating for the bill, he took the position of preferring civil unions, although he said he would sign a civil marriage bill if it was passed in the legislature. Yet it seems that after seeing all the positive media attention given to Cuomo in the wake of his significant legislative victory, O'Malley decided to change his tune, declaring he would sponsor the same-sex marriage bill in this year's legislative session.

As part of his efforts, O'Malley is hosting a fundraiser tonight for Equality Maryland, Maryland's leading LGBT civil rights organization. It is likely he will deliver remarks about how he believes that all of his constituents, regardless of sexual orientation, should have the right to marry the person they love. Yet these words ring a bit hollow, not only to his current constituents, but to any potential supporters he might have in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary if he decides to run.

There's been heavy speculation that both O'Malley and Cuomo will throw their hats into the ring in 2016, but nationally, progressives have seen a clear contrast in leadership style and legislative skill between these two (assumed) top future contenders for the Democratic nomination regarding marriage equality — an issue many care about deeply.

Examining how these two men have handled the often contentious issue of same-sex marriage will be important for those of us concerned with who will emerge as a national leader of the Democratic Party.

In New York, Cuomo cajoled a reluctant Republican-controlled state senate to organize an ultimately successful vote. He assisted pro-equality supporters by recording video messages and sending out emails to his supporters. Additionally, he organized all of the leading LGBT and progressive organizations to form a coalition, which prevented infighting and misinformation and increased coordination between the groups.

In contrast, O'Malley couldn't even swing a few Democratic members of the House of Delegates to vote his way during the 2011 winter legislative session. Help from the governor's top staffers was nearly nonexistent, and equality advocates found themselves with a governor unwilling to use his bully pulpit to advance their cause.

His recent support is welcome, but if O'Malley has any presidential ambitions, he better make sure he wins this legislative fight. So please, no more half-hearted efforts. With national progressives dissatisfied that current national Democratic leaders (cough cough, President Barack Obama) have not gone to the mat for issues near and dear to their hearts, they will be looking for a presidential candidate who spends political capital, who gets out in front of an issue and who is not afraid to stand up for what he or she believes in.

Governor O'Malley, if you do not get a victory this year on marriage equality, that person certainly won't be you.

Matt Arnstine is a junior government and politics major. He can be reached at arnstine@umdbk.com.