Great news from the state of Maryland!

Activists working to repeal Maryland's same-sex marriage law have collected more than twice the signatures needed for a referendum — likely ensuring that the measure will be on the ballot for voters to decide in November.

The law's opponents submitted 122,481 signatures in favor of a referendum; 55,736 are required. If enough are verified as legitimate, as expected, Maryland will be in the center of a national debate on same-sex marriage, with groups on both sides preparing to spend millions.

The Rev. Derek McCoy, who heads the leading group opposed to the law, called the effort "absolutely exhilarating."

"Marylanders have a right to vote on this issue," said McCoy, executive director of the Maryland Marriage Alliance, after the group dropped off boxes of petitions outside the Maryland secretary of state's office.

The state board of elections has 20 days to review the signatures. -- The Baltimore Sun

There is still time to participate at www.MarylandMarriageAllance.com.