Although Maryland Republicans frequently lament any time the state's actions mirror California's, Del. Don Dwyer hopes Annapolis follows the West Coast on the gay marriage issue this legislative session.

Two months after California voters eliminated same-sex marriage, Mr. Dwyer, R-Glen Burnie, will reintroduce his bill to put a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage before Maryland voters.

The legislation is a perennial, and so far unsuccessful, move by the conservative delegate, but he is undeterred heading into the General Assembly session beginning Jan. 14.

"I'm like a dog," Mr. Dwyer said Monday. "When I get...