Hurray For Gay Exploitation!

By Kyle Lawson

In the never-ending debate over same sex marriage Maryland was brought to the forefront recently when attorney general Douglas Gansler stated that Maryland would recognize out of state same sex marriages. This has of course upset Republicans and conservative Democrats in the Maryland legislature who are claiming that Gansler is ignoring the law. I could less about this argument if he really is overstepping his boundaries than what does it matter? While many gay rights organizations have applauded the decision it must be questioned whether this is as great as it seems.

Two things have happened recently that make recognizing out of state same sex marriages more appealing. First, Washington D.C. unless something unexpected happens will allow same sex marriages starting March 9. Secondly, Virginia Governor Bob McConnell on February 5 removed sexual orientation from a list barring discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or political affiliation. Essentially employers can now fire someone for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc. So what do these two seemingly unrelated events have in common? Northrop Grumman is looking for a site for its new company headquarters near Washington D.C.

Yes, I know I sound slightly paranoid at this. I just can not help feeling as if the only reason Maryland is offering to recognize same sex marriages is so they can try to lure Northrop Grumman’s new corporate headquarters to their state. Northrop Grumman has a 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Equality Index. Essentially a rating system of how various companies treat their GLBT employees, not to mention their government contracts which is why their head quarters is moving. Get the picture?

In the hopes of luring a company, who plan on making their decision in April, which will provide jobs and boost the rating of a governor in an election year, the state of Maryland will recognize same sex marriage. Presenting themselves as more in line with the company’s commitment to the GLBT community. While Virginia may not protect its GLBT residents from job discrimination,there is nothing preventing the company from continuing their policies. A fact pointed out by Tucker Martin a spokesman for Governor McConnell.

While I suppose I should be happy that another state has decided that gays deserve equal treatment I’m not. This is a political ploy requiring no full commitment by the Democrats unless Maryland gets the headquarters. They are not sticking their necks out and saying gays should be allowed to marry and have access to the same benefits afforded heterosexual couples, impossible because of the Defense of Marriage Act. They are instead mooching off of Washington who is also trying to secure the headquarters. I would like to think that if this ploy works and Maryland becomes the site of the headquarters that the legislature will push for some kind of legislature whether it is marriage or civil unions with all the same benefits. That leaves the question of what happens if Maryland does not get the contract. Will Gansler decide to back down and claim that as an election year there are more important issues?

I would like to think positively, but Democrats do not have the best record of supporting the GLBT community recently. If Maryland does get the contract, it will certainly be a slap in the face of Governor McConnell, but will Maryland go any farther? The best thing that will probably come out of this is out of state recognition, I do not expect anything more. I hope I am wrong, but the Democrats have not been showing much spine recently; New Jersey, New York, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, certain provisions removed from the health care bill,  I could go on.