ROCKVILLE, Md. - Monday, the majority of the Montgomery County (web | news) Council showed up alongside supporters of a same sex marriage law in Maryland to, in their words, "send a strong message" to the residents of the county and lawmakers in Annapolis.

"Where you have two committed people in a relationship...these are families and this is just the kind of thing Montgomery County wants to support," said Montgomery County Council Member Nancy Floreen.

While Montgomery County can't adopt a same sex marriage law without it first being approved statewide, council members say they are doing what they can to help partners in same sex unions by introducing their Equal Benefits Bill.

Under the bill, most contractors and subcontractors working for the county would get the same benefits as county employees who are in same sex unions, such as health and dental coverage and life insurance.

Council member Nancy Navarro authored the legislation.

"I think it sends a very strong message that our county is tolerant and it's welcoming," said Navarro.

The law would cover the contract worker and spouse if their union is recognized by a marriage license or civil union granted by other states and by the same sex partner definition under Maryland law.

"So those who have made the trip to California or, like me and my partner, who went to Vermont would be able to have legal protections when you come back home," explained Morgan Maneses-Sheets with Equality Maryland.

Those who oppose the law say they have serious concerns.

"We would have a concern about any kind of legislation that starts requiring different kinds of marriage benefits to do business in the county" Susan Gibbs with the Washington Archdiocese.

Council members will introduce the bill Tuesday.

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