Ravens center Matt Birk officially jumped into Maryland's same-sex marriage scrum today, releasing a web-only video that supports traditional marriage.
"Marriage is more than what adults want for themselves, it is about the next generation," says Birk, looking straight into the camera. "Gay and lesbian couples already receive benefits in Maryland, like hospital visitation, state health benefits and tax breaks. We don’t need to redefine marriage."
In Maryland there are roughly 100 district rights that come with a marriage certificate, according to gay activist who are pushing for same-sex marriage. The state already recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere like Washington, D.C.
The Sun reported earlier this week that Birk, a father of six, would be releasing the video. The football player released a separate video on Monday supporting an anti-same-sex marriage campaign in his home state of Minnesota.
Supporters of same-sex marriage also have a Ravens spokesplayer -- Brendon Ayanbadejo. The linebacker has cut a video for Marylanders for Marriage Equality and plans to host a Monday Night Football fundraiser in Federal Hill next week to collect cash for the cause. Gov. Martin O'Malley will be there.
Ayanbadejo, who is straight, has long supported same-sex marriage - he believes marriage is a human right, and couples should have access to it.
"Marriage is more than what adults want for themselves, it is about the next generation," says Birk, looking straight into the camera. "Gay and lesbian couples already receive benefits in Maryland, like hospital visitation, state health benefits and tax breaks. We don’t need to redefine marriage."
In Maryland there are roughly 100 district rights that come with a marriage certificate, according to gay activist who are pushing for same-sex marriage. The state already recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere like Washington, D.C.
The Sun reported earlier this week that Birk, a father of six, would be releasing the video. The football player released a separate video on Monday supporting an anti-same-sex marriage campaign in his home state of Minnesota.
Supporters of same-sex marriage also have a Ravens spokesplayer -- Brendon Ayanbadejo. The linebacker has cut a video for Marylanders for Marriage Equality and plans to host a Monday Night Football fundraiser in Federal Hill next week to collect cash for the cause. Gov. Martin O'Malley will be there.
Ayanbadejo, who is straight, has long supported same-sex marriage - he believes marriage is a human right, and couples should have access to it.
