Watch: Maryland Governor Signs Same-Sex Marriage Bill Into Law (Video)

Maryland Democratic Governor Martin O’Malley at 5:35 PM today signed his same-sex civil marriage equality bill into law, amid hundreds of supporters. The law, which would make Maryland the eighth state and ninth jurisdiction to offer marriage equality to its citizens, will go into effect on January 1, 2013, unless an expected referendum is successful and repeals the law. Oppoents of same-sex marriage in Maryland have already begun the process, which requires a minimum of collecting 56,000 signatures to get the law on the ballot in November.

Washington Democratic Governor Christine Gregoire last month signed a same-sex marriage bill into law as well, while New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie recently vetoed his state’s marriage equality bill.

“We are one Maryland and all of us at the end of the day want the same thing for our children,” Governor O’Malley said, adding, “We want them to live in a loving, caring and committed home that is protected equally under the law.”

“Step by step, we continue to draw closer to full equality for every American,” said Mike Thompson, Acting President of GLAAD, in a statement. “Today’s historic bill signing reflects the opinion of a growing majority of Americans who — regardless of race, political affiliation and religion — believe that every committed couple should be able to marry the person they love. Though opponents have already taken measures to deprive gay and lesbian Marylanders of the vital protections that only marriage can afford, we remain confident that voters will echo Governor O’Malley’s support for full equality.”

“There is no doubt that 2012 is off to a firecracker start when it comes to tipping the scales in favor of full equality for our relationships and a future where the promise of justice for all is realized,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell in a statement today. “Governor Martin O’Malley, like Washington Governor Chris Gregoire last month, has distinguished himself as a political leader who takes seriously his oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. We know we have farther to go before every LGBT person can live fully and freely, but today in Maryland our brothers and sisters can rest easier, knowing that their families are recognized and secure under the law.”