. '' He added , `` I am confident that the attorney general and his office will provide all necessary advice to state agencies on how to comply with the law , and I expect all state agencies to work with the attorney general 's office to ensure compliance with the law . '' Further details were not immediately available , and the governor 's office did not return phone calls seeking clarification . It was unclear what the immediate ramifications of Gansler 's opinion would be in Maryland . One state representative , Del. . Emmett Burns -- who sponsored a bill earlier this year that would have barred the state from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states and other countries -- said the attorney general 's opinion `` muddles the waters . '' Burns ' bill failed in committee . Referring to the opinion , Burns said , `` I do n't think it 's worth a bucket of warm spit . ... I do n't think it 's something that is going to make that big of a difference . '' He said the issue is likely to be decided through legislation or in a court
Maryland 's attorney general said Wednesday that the state may legally recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states . The 45-page opinion from Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler was addressed to state Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. . `` You have asked whether those marriages may be recognized under state law . The answer to that question is clearly ` yes , ' '' Gansler wrote . He noted that his opinion is `` not itself the law of Maryland in the same sense as a statute enacted by the Legislature or court decision elaborating the common law or construing a statute . '' Rather , it is an interpretation of law intended to guide courts and government agencies , he said . `` Thus , what we say in this opinion is a prediction , not a prescription , as to the how the court would approach this issue under current law , '' Gansler wrote . His office said that he can not direct the actions of state agencies . But Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said Wednesday afternoon that the state `` will be guided by the attorney general 's thorough analysis and legal advice on this matter