Same-sex marriage supporters, including Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, squared off Tuesday in a lengthy legislative hearing against ministers and others who urged that the state not abandon its tradition of limiting nuptials to one man and one woman.

O’Malley (D), who has vowed to pass legislation along the lines of a bill that fell short last year, said the issue is about “human dignity” and asked state senators to view it through the eyes of children.