GOOD NEWS OR BAD IDEAS? KY, MI,
OH, TX RE-EXAMINE MARRIAGE AMENDMENTS
Posted by Daily Queer News
November 20, 2009
Bil Browning \ Bilerico Project
The marriage equality drumbeat has rumbled on with news that several states will be attempting to re-examine their state constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage and/or civil unions. Surprisingly, this hasn’t received as much attention as I assumed it would in the LGBT blogosphere.
Ohio state representative Tyrone K. Yates (D-Cincinnati), Kentucky state representative Mary Lou Marzian (D-Jefferson), and Michigan House Speaker Pro Tem Pam Byrnes (D-Washtenaw County) have all introduced legislation to repeal their state’s respective marriage amendments.
Texas Attorney General candidate Barbara Radnofsky, however, has discovered that the state’s amendment also inadvertently “eliminates marriage in Texas,” including common-law marriages. A Texas judge ruled the state’s amendment was unconstitutional last month.
None of the four states are known for their LGBT-friendly laws which raises an interesting conundrum. Will the four states re-examination of their marriage equality amendments actually help the LGBT community or will it hurt us instead?
Contact these Representative and tell them you support their efforts
If you have friends in Ohio & Kentucky, please let them know about this issue.
Byrnes Introduces Amendment to Allow Same-Sex Marriage
Washtenaw lawmaker calls for equality and protection of civil rights
— November 04, 2009
LANSING – Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) today introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives her plan to amend the state constitution to allow same-sex marriage in Michigan.
"This really boils down to treating all people with the dignity and respect everyone deserves," Byrnes said. "So many of us were raised to treat others how we'd like to be treated – it's about time we start actually doing that. Last time I checked, the Golden Rule didn't say 'treat others how you'd like to be treated, unless they are gay or lesbian.' "
Byrnes' plan amends Michigan's Constitution to allow same-sex marriages and allows Michigan to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. The plan also contains a religious exemption that allows clergy the right to refuse performing or certifying same-sex marriages.
Fifteen states currently have some level of protection for the rights of same-sex couples. Same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in Michigan because voters passed a constitutional amendment that banned gay marriage and other same-sex unions in 2004. However, public opinion has swung quickly in recent years, especially in reaction to stories of same-sex couples being denied access to a partner's health care benefits or visitation rights to their loved ones at hospitals.
"Same-sex couples should not be denied the joys and responsibilities that come with making a lifetime commitment to each other," Byrnes said. "The Michigan I know is not a place that would deny visitation rights to a dying loved one or access to health care just because of someone's sexual orientation. It's wrong to arbitrarily treat certain groups of people like second-class citizens and it's time to update our laws in Michigan to make sure no one is treated that way."
Tyrone K. Yates (D-Cincinnati)
Address:
77 S. High St
13th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6111
Phone: (614) 466-1308
Fax: (614) 719-3587
Email:
district33@ohr.state.oh.us
Speaker
Pro Tempore
Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township)
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 30014
Lansing, MI 48909-7514
Phone: (517) 373-0828
Fax: (517) 373-5783
Toll-Free (800) 645-1581
Email
pambyrnes@house.mi.gov
Mary
Lou Marzian (D-Jefferson)
Mailing Address
2007 Tyler Ln
Louisville KY 40205
702 Capitol Ave
Annex Room 429I
Frankfort KY 40601
Home: (502) 451-5032
Annex: (502) 564-8100 Ext. 643
Annex: MaryLou.Marzian@lrc.ky.gov