Maryland lawmakers went back to work Wednesday for the start of the General Assembly. This year, one of the most controversial items on their agenda is gay marriage.

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Supporters are already lobbying lawmakers and setting up phone banks, calling constituents and asking them to pressure their delegates.

"I support it wholeheartedly," a supporter said.

After the bill died in the House last year, advocates are getting help from the powerful AFL-CIO, along with the governor.

Many are looking to Gov. Martin O'Malley to use his political muscle to get a bill passed this session.

"It helps that the governor is going to be the lead sponsor of the initiative," said Md. delegate Heather Mizeur.

But opponents of same-sex marriage say they will fight even harder. Numerous faith-based groups and churches have joined forces, forming a new group called Maryland Marriage Alliance.

"I'm Catholic, so I believe its a sacrament between a man and a woman," an opponent said.

The bill is to be filed in the next several weeks and go before the judiciary committee.