Many thanks to each of you who wrote, picked up the phone, sent an email, went down to Annapolis, and/or reached down and gave generously to support NOM's work in Maryland and across the country.

Here's how the Baptist Press put it: “It was a huge victory for traditionalists. Just two weeks ago, the bill seemed destined to become law.”

So many, many good people made a difference (thanks to Bishop Jackson, Derek McCoy and the Maryland Family Council, Family Research Council, and many others).

The Baptist Press goes on:

The difference apparently was the opposition from predominantly black churches, as well as from the Maryland Catholic Conference. Democrats hold a 98-43 advantage over Republicans in the House, but a third (34) of the Democrats belong to the legislative black caucus. ...

"The black churches -- since I've been here -- have never asked us for anything, that I can recall. They are asking now, 'Don't use the word marriage,'" Del. Cheryl Glenn, a member of the black caucus, said during floor debate. ...

Del. Emmett Burns, a member of the black caucus and an outspoken opponent of the bill, said he was called the "n-word" for his stance. He also said he was offended by comparisons between the civil rights movement and the "gay marriage" movement.

"Show me your Selma, Alabama," he said during debate. "[The bill] violates natural law. It always denies a child either a father or a mother. It promotes the homosexual lifestyle. It turns a moral wrong into a civil right. ... "

And thanks to the Baptist Press for giving NOM some props, too:

The National Organization for Marriage -- which helped defeat "gay marriage" laws in California and Maine -- pledge $1 million to support Democratic legislators who voted for the bill. The money would also help defeat Republican legislators who vote for it.

"We want to be sure those courageous Democrats who cast their vote of conscience in favor of marriage will have a strong supporter if the radical gay activists come after them in their next primary election," Brian Brown, president of the organization, said.