Wyoming Senate Advances Bill Banning Recognition Of Same Sex Marriages From Outside State But Exempts Out-Of-State Civil Unions

The Wyoming Senate has advanced legislation to ban recognition of same sex marriages from outside the state, but at the same time has exempted out-of-state civil unions, according to a report by the Casper Tribune. Proponents of House Bill 74, say the legislation is needed to resolve a conflict in Wyoming law, which defines marriage as a contract "between a male and a female person" but also recognizes any valid marriage performed outside the state. Opponents maintain that the bill is unneeded, unconstitutional, and discriminatory against gay and lesbian couples. The bill, which passed second reading on Tuesday by a voice vote, faces a final Senate vote scheduled for tomorrow before it'd head to Gov. Matt Mead's desk. However, the Senate approved an amendment by the bill's sponsor, state Sen. Curt Meier, R-LaGrange, to take out language that would prohibit recognition of out-of-state civil unions.