Md. Bill On 'Life Partners' Advances

Rights for Couples Pass Senate, 31-16
By John Wagner
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, March 26, 2005; Page B01

Unmarried "life partners," including gay couples, would be empowered to make health and funeral decisions for each other under legislation approved yesterday by the Maryland Senate.

Supporters said the bill, which passed 31 to 16, is intended to provide dignity and equal rights to people in committed relationships, including elderly couples in nursing homes who choose not to marry. In some cases, they argued, the bill could assist in making the gut-wrenching care decisions that have been highlighted by the Terri Schiavo case in Florida...