Republicans say Democrats won't discuss gay marriage

Democrats are trying to stifle election-year debate in the General Assembly over a constitutional amendment defining marriage as only between a man and a woman, Republicans charge.

House Democrats yesterday proposed a change to parliamentary rules so constitutional amendments can't be tacked onto bills.

Republicans, knowing they are greatly outnumbered, have tried to use the current rules to ignite a debate over whether the state should change its constitution to essentially ban gay marriage in Maryland.

"Why haven't we ever looked at this kind of rule change before? You just have to wonder," said Del. Don Dwyer, R-Glen...