ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland voters have approved same-sex marriage in a close vote.

Voters approved the ballot question on Tuesday with about 52 percent of the vote.

Gov. Martin O’Malley pushed for legislation this year. He spoke to a loudly cheering audience in Baltimore, where supporters danced, hugged and popped balloons in celebration. The governor said “every child’s home deserves to be protected under the law.”

The Democrat signed legislation in March to legalize same-sex marriage, but opponents successfully gathered enough signatures to petition the law to the ballot for voters to decide.

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