Nevada Assembly backs resolution to end ban on gay marriage

[alp227]

Source: Las Vegas Sun

The Nevada Assembly voted 24-17 today to move one step closer to removing a ban on same-sex marriage from the state Constitution.

Senate Joint Resolution 13 has already passed the Senate, meaning it needs approval of the 2015 Legislature and the voters of Nevada in the 2016 election to take effect.

The resolution would also create an affirmative right to marriage, regardless of gender.

The resolution states that “all legally valid marriages shall be treated equally under the law.”

Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/may/23/nevada-assembly-backs-resolution-end-ban-gay-marri/

[rocktivity]

1. For the state that specializes in instant weddings

I'm surprised there was a ban in the first place!


rocktivity

[DRoseDARs]

2. As someone who has lived here for 26 of his 32 years, I'm surprised the ban is being lifted so soon.

The same-sex "marriage" ban has been in our constitution since 2002. "Domestic partnerships" have been legal since 2009.

[LonePirate]

3. Maybe the USSC will step up and do the right thing and overturns all of these bigoted state bans.

I am sure the voters will lift the ban if it reaches them in 2016 given how NV is a mostly blue state. The wait will be much, much longer in the numerous red states with bans.

[burrowowl]

4. Well roll me over!

[davidpdx]

5. Isn't there a Republican governor?

If so, would he not veto it.

[enlightenment]

7. He can't, per the State Constitution.

Nevada has an interesting process for initiative and referendum - it is one of not very many states that provides such clear opportunities for the citizens to practice a more direct democracy.

A referendum can originate with the people (by petition) and are not subject to veto OR they can originate with the legislature (as this one has) and go on the ballot, with the same protections.
Because this is a constitutional change, it will have to go before the people twice - in two separate general elections - and be passed each time before it will take effect. So it won't actually change the ridiculous amendment that was passed in 2002 until 2016.

Gov. Sandoval can go whistle up a rope.

[RKP5637]

6. K&R!!! n/t