Maryland made history yesterday as the first state to approve
gay marriage at the ballot box. The outcome on Question 6 was
notable not just for what it will mean for thousands of gays and
lesbians whose relationships will now be recognized as equal to
those of their heterosexual peers but for what it says about the
state of gay rights in America. There is good reason to believe
that yesterday's vote was not just a victory for equality but a
turning point. Technically, Maryland appeared to be tied for the
first-in-the-nation distinction, as a similar measure was poised
for passage in Maine on the same day. Another was on the ballot
in Washington. Considering that the electoral record for same-
sex marriage up until yesterday was 0 wins and 32 losses, those
victories are remarkable. The vote in Maryland in particular is
a sign that the growing acceptance for marriage equality is
starting to break down old barriers and may portend a rapid
shift in the political and legal landscape. If advocates were
looking for