Years before Gov. Martin O’Malley took a pen to same-sex marriage legislation in March, the university’s Memorial Chapel was performing ceremonies on the campus between gay and lesbian couples.

The Memorial Chapel, a non-denominational center that opened in 1952, has held three same-sex ceremonies since 2006, according to Janice Hawkins, office assistant for the Memorial Chapel. Memorial Chapel officials said regardless of whether the same-sex marriage law goes into effect next year – O’Malley signed the bill into law in March but opponents are working to put the issue before voters in November’s general election – they will continue to serve all couples.

Denise McHugh, coordinator for the Memorial Chapel, said the chapel plans to treat the same-sex marriages the same as other weddings.

“We try to work around the couples’ wishes, so it would be the same as any other wedding,” McHugh said.

Student event manager Katie O’Mailey, a senior psychology and sociology major, said at least one same-sex couple has made a reservation to hold its wedding at the chapel by next year.

Couples are not required to have any religious affiliation to hold their ceremony in the chapel. This year, the space will hold 88 weddings, McHugh said.

Some students, such as freshman dietetics major Holly Lange, said they would like to see the state recognize same-sex marriages held on the campus.

“I’m a Christian but I do support same-sex marriage. I don’t really think it would cause a problem on campus,” Lange said. “It’s a good opportunity for them.”

Others said although they do not support same-sex marriage because of religious beliefs, they understand the Memorial Chapel is an inclusive space.

“As a Catholic, I believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman, and that’s how I see the concept of marriage. But I don’t think the weddings [on the campus] will create that much uproar,” said Zach Hayes, a junior civil engineering major.

“It conflicts with my personal opinions, but I wouldn’t do anything about it.”

Headed by groups such as the Maryland Marriage Alliance, a coalition of religious organizations, state residents have begun to gather signatures needed to bring the law to a ballot referendum in November. According to the Associated Press, nearly 56,000 signatures would be needed to put it on the ballot.

However, Nicholas Sakurai, associate director for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equity Center, said he was not surprised the university has held same-sex ceremonies.

“This is a public institution so it shouldn’t even be a question,” Sakurai said.

“Of course people should have access to use the space, and I’m glad to hear that they’re still not discriminating.”

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