Michael K. Williams as Omar Little in “The Wire”

In the midst of another tough fight for same-sex marriage in Maryland, proponents of marriage equality have recruited some powerful allies. But few may make the case as well as Michael K. Williams, the actor known best for playing Omar Little in the HBO Baltimore crime drama “The Wire,” and former Vice President Dick Cheney.

In late January Williams appeared in an ad promoting marriage equality produced by Maryland for Marriage Equality; the group has put out other videos featuring people like Gov. Martin O’Malley, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, actor Josh Charles and actress Mo’Nique. Williams, who played a ruthless though principled killer who also happened to be gay on the acclaimed show, draws upon his character in the ad, playfully warning that if legislators don’t support same-sex marriage, “Omar gonna come at you.”

Another supporter of marriage equality in Maryland is former Vice President Dick Cheney. According to Baltimore Magazine’s The Chatter, the mere mention of Cheney’s name by marriage equality proponents caused Republican Del. Wade Kach to change his vote from against to for. Cheney’s daughter Liz Mary is gay, but the former vice president has long been better known for not saying much to dissuade President George W. Bush from endorsing a constitutional amendment defining marriage as being between a man and a woman.

Despite their advocacy, though, a same-sex marriage bill that was rejected by the Maryland House last year may well run into the same determined religious opposition that crosses party and racial lines in Maryland. While three Republicans have said that they support marriage equality, some Democrats have not yet committed either way. And even if it does pass, there’s a chance that the legislation could be subjected to a statewide referendum.

For live tweets of today’s debate, follow Maryland Reporter correspondent Justin Snow.