How feasible is it that Nevada could legalize gay marriage in the next 2-4 years?

[derby378]

I'm serious about this. In the unlikely event that California's Proposition 8 endures, could Las Vegas turn into a gay wedding mecca? Is there enough support for this among Nevada voters?

It certainly couldn't hurt the LV economy. I know all the rich kids from LA flock to the Palms and all that, but if they suddenly abandon Vegas for another hotspot, the last thing Vegas wants to see is a drop in revenue, especially with looming water, environmental, and development issues that confront any desert town. Hoover Dam helps tremendously, but cashflow is still needed. And the tide is still turning.

No blood tests or extensive screening processes - just fill out the form at the tax office, pay your cash, and get hitched. It worked for me and my sweetie.

Your thoughts?

[davidinalameda]

1. there are almost 90K Mormons in Nevada

don't see it happening any time soon

[begin_within]

2. Nevada is all about $$$$$$$$$$$$, so I wouldn't be surprised if they're the next state to go legal.

[enlightenment]

3. Unfortunately, Nevada passed their own version of DOMA

a few years ago. This wonderful bit of nastiness is presently enshrined in the state constitution.

Article 1, Section 21: Limitation on recognition of marriage. Only a marriage between a male and female person shall be recognized and given effect in this state. (Added in 2002. Proposed by initiative petition and approved and ratified by the people at the 2000 and 2002 general elections.)

So before Nevada could make a cent (which they should do - hard to believe they were more liberal about this in the 1920s and 30s than now) there would have to be a referendum to remove that line from the constitution.

[FreeState]

4. And referendums in NV take two elections cycles to pass - voted on twice n/t

[enlightenment]

5. Actually, I need to correct myself.

I indicated it would be a referendum, but it would have to be an initiative, since nothing is ever removed from the Nevada Constitution - it's simply incorporated in - sort of like amendments to the US Constitution (think, particularly, of the 18th, repealed by the 21st).

In Nevada, a referendum negates or modifies an existing law or statute, but not a Constitutional amendment.

Only an initiative that proposes a Constitutional amendment has to pass twice (referendums don't because they don't modify the Constitution).

SO - Nevada would need a new initiative to cancel out the 2002 amendment. And yes, it would have to pass twice.

Sorry about that screw-up (I teach this stuff; I should know better! Bad me . . .)