Gay marriage constitutional ban fails in conservative Idaho

[justin899]

BOISE, Idaho — A proposal to write a ban on same-sex marriage into the Idaho Constitution was defeated today for the second consecutive year. A statutory prohibition remains in force.

The constitutional measure had majority support in the state Senate in a 21-14 vote. But that fell short of the two-thirds majority needed to send the constitutional amendment to a vote of the people. Eight Republican senators and six Democrats voted against.

The amendment would have invalidated any type of marriage or civil union except those between one man and one woman.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, said he would not try to pass an amended version of the bill this year. But the narrow margin of defeat means the bill will probably be considered at least once again next year.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2002168278_webidaho02.html

What are they doing in Idaho that's different from states that are usually more progressive (such as Oregon)?

[tubbacheez]

1. True conservatives have no religious agenda. n/t

[renaissanceguy]

3. True conservatives are the libertarians.

The repugs are now FASCISTS.

http://www.cafepress.com/liberalissues.14741193

[tubbacheez]

4. Yeah... while I can see why you'd voice that blanket statement...

... I know a few long-time Republicans who aren't fascists. Or more accurately, they don't realize their party has been taken over by fascists.

They're just happy to be on the "winning" team.

And that feeling of joy has truly blinded them.







When we return to power, we would be wise to remember what happened to our Republican counterparts. The fascists always try to infiltrate the group in power. They're ignoring us for now.

When we rise again, we'll need to be mindful of takeovers as well.

[Nothing Without Hope]

2. "A statutory prohibition remains in force." - What about this?

Do you know when this statutory prohibition expire, and when might it be possible for same-sex marriages to take place legally in Idaho?

Thanks for this news. True conservatives don't butt into other peoples' business unless it directly affects their own. Odd how the blivet**'s disastrous, criminal administration is starting to draw honest people from all parts of the political spectrum together to save the country. This has to happen for the fight to have a chance of succeeding.

[Q3JR4]

6. Idaho, like many states,

has a law on record banning gay marriages. Like any other state in the union, if that law is in conflict with the constitution, it can be struck down by a higher court.

The thing is that some of those in the legislature who voted against the amendment did so because of the fact that that Idaho law already defines marriage. If the supreme court of this state struck the law down (a highly unlikely prospect in and of itself), the amendment would pass without a second thought.

[tjwmason]

5. Is the first one that failed?

I keep hearing about how many of these bans get through...

I notice that the ban would include "any type of marriage or civil union except those between one man and one woman", is the inclusion of civil-unions a factor behind its failure?

[Q3JR4]

7. The first time they tried to amend

Idaho's constitution, it was held up in senate committee by a woman who has since moved to Hawaii.

According to statements issued by the individuals who voted against it, some felt that it was superfluous. Idaho already has a law defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman (the same one that banned common law marriages in this state).

The inclusion of "civil unions" wasn't listed among the ban's detractors as one of the reasons for opposing this constitutional amendment.

[Moloch]

8. Great news!

Idaho is the most conservative state in the USA.

[Siyahamba]

9. Many states have populist referendums.

Such as Michigan, a certain number of people have to sign a petition and present it, and that issue is automatically on the ballot - it doesn't have to pass the legislature first.