By Elizabeth Pengelly
Round Table reporter

A controversial same-sex marriage bill was signed into law on March 1 by Gov. Martin O’Malley, according to Hometown Annapolis. Maryland is now one of seven states that recognize gay marriage.

Earlier in February, the House of Delegates passed the bill by a 72-67 vote, and on Feb. 23, the bill passed through the Senate by a close 25-22 vote.

It is planned that the law will take effect in Jan. 2013.

During the nine-month wait, Maryland citizens who oppose the law will gather signatures in an attempt to have a referendum put on the November 2012 election ballot. Many of the 56,000 needed signatures are expected to be churchgoers, and those who follow a very strict faith. If the referendum passes during the election, the law will be overturned.

Mixed emotions fill the halls of Middletown High School. Some students are thrilled about the impact of the law, while others are doubtful of its impression on the Middletown area.

Matt Gabb, MHS senior and member of the Gay Straight Alliance Club, said he hopes that members of the Middletown community will be more open with their sexuality. “I hope it will bring a good change,” Gabb added.

MHS senior Timmy Huth said thought the transition for acceptance would be slow. “Middletown is particularly close-minded, so it will be a while,” he said.

Although MHS freshman Jack Dempsey supports the change, he recognizes that many people also oppose the law. “It will make the people who don’t support this angered,” Dempsey said.

Many of such oppositions root from religious views. MHS sophomore Kaylee Anderson said, “I’m against it. I don’t think it’s right. It’s against the Bible and everything my religion stands for.”

Whether students support or oppose the new law, MHS is a part of the Maryland community, and change will definitely be seen.

“You can’t choose who you love,” Huth said.