In a sign that gay marriage activists do not have the votes in the Maryland House of Delegates to redefine marriage, a "swing" GOP vote has said he will vote NO on gay marriage and debate in the Assembly has been postponed until today, as the Associated Press reports:

A Maryland Republican lawmaker considered to be a swing vote in the House of Delegates gay marriage debate will not support the legislation.

Delegate Patrick Hogan, R-Frederick, said Wednesday that he will not support the marriage bill.

“While I do believe that the law should afford the same protections to all couples in Maryland, I do not believe we need to use the word marriage to do that,” Hogan said in a statement.

Earlier Wednesday, supporters decided to layover the bill in the House, delaying floor debate until Thursday. -- Associated Press