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P and D married in California in 2008 in a same sex marriage. Two years later they agreed mutually to separate. P filed a divorce complaint, on the ground of voluntary separation, in the Circuit Court for Prince George's County. D answered the complaint in a 'no contest' manner. The court denied the requested relief, explaining in its written order that the marriage was 'not valid' and 'contrary to the public policy of Maryland.' P and D appealed to find out why an out-of-state, same-sex marriage, valid when and where performed, was not cognizable in Maryland for purposes of the application of its domestic divorce laws.

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