Controversial Ballot Questions Pass And Cause A Stir - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

MARYLAND - Some controversial questions that hit the Maryland ballot are causing a stir.

The voters have spoken on marriage equality. Their decision, a resounding "yes". "I'm just glad that they're getting equal opportunities that every citizen should have," Maryland resident Matt Blackwell said. "You shouldn't discriminate either way. If it's good for one, it's good for all.," Maryland resident William Glime said.

The historic win places Maryland among three states where same-sex marriage has been approved by popular vote. But it was close - 48% of state residents voted against Question 6. "The Lord didn't put us here for that - same-sex marriage. He made man and woman - he made them to be together," Maryland resident Henry Savage said.

Marriage Equality wasn't the only decision voters had to make. Marylanders also approved Question 4, the Dream Act, another controversial law, allowing some undocumented immigrants in Maryland to pay in-state tuition, if they attended a Maryland high school for three years, and also have proof their parents pay taxes. It's what Cindy Portillo, President of the Organization of Latin American Students at Salisbury University has been pushing for. "Coming from a Hispanic background, it's very important - many times there's students that should get the opportunity to go to college," she said.

Others say it's unfair. "If you're illegal and you're in the United States and you pay in-state tuition to let's say, Delaware - and I'm a legal resident of the United States - I think it's unfair that I have to pay out of state tuition when they get to pay in-state," freshman at Salisbury University Emily Sperling said.

Marylanders whose dreams have been on hold, will soon see them become a reality. The Dream Act passed, 57% to 43%. The law requires students to meet income tax, permanent residency and selective service requirements. Then, with 60 credit hours or a degree from a community college, those students can enroll at a four-year public school with in-state tuition rates. Same-sex marriage will become official in Maryland once state election officials have certified the results. The law will go into effect January 1.