Comments on: Wyoming Senate narrowly votes not to recognize out-of-state marriages http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2011/02/18/30687 News, analysis and fact-checking of anti-gay rhetoric Wed, 22 May 2013 23:37:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 By: Val http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2011/02/18/30687/comment-page-1#comment-89384 Val Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:39:44 +0000 http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/?p=30687#comment-89384 As a proud Wyomingite, I am saddened that my home state passed a bill which is in direct violation of article 1 section 2, and section 3 of the state constitution. The state constitution clearly states: Article 1, Section 2. Equality of all. In their inherent right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, all members of the human race are equal. Article 1, Section 3. Equal political rights. Since equality in the enjoyment of natural and civil rights is only made sure through political equality, the laws of this state affecting the political rights and privileges of its citizens shall be without distinction of race, color, sex, or any circumstance or condition whatsoever other than individual incompetency, or unworthiness duly ascertained by a court of competent jurisdiction. It seems these articles need to be amended to make HB74 legal... As a proud Wyomingite, I am saddened that my home state passed a bill which is in direct violation of article 1 section 2, and section 3 of the state constitution.

The state constitution clearly states:

Article 1, Section 2. Equality of all.

In their inherent right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, all members of the human race are equal.

Article 1, Section 3. Equal political rights.

Since equality in the enjoyment of natural and civil rights is only made sure through political equality, the laws of this state affecting the political rights and privileges of its citizens shall be without distinction of race, color, sex, or any circumstance or condition whatsoever other than individual incompetency, or unworthiness duly ascertained by a court of competent jurisdiction.

It seems these articles need to be amended to make HB74 legal…

]]> By: embarcadero http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2011/02/18/30687/comment-page-1#comment-89299 embarcadero Sat, 19 Feb 2011 14:37:23 +0000 http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/?p=30687#comment-89299 The bill passed because Bill Landen (R, Casper) changed his pledge to vote against the bill at the last minute. It's not clear why he did this. The bill must now go back to the house for a vote to approve the amendments to this bill, which may have the effect of seriously limiting its impact. The proposed amendment to the state Constitution appears unlikely to reach a full vote. At one point in the Senate, HB74 included an amendment that would have obliged the state to alter its "welcome" signs at the border, advising motorists of the new law. Sadly, that language was removed. The bill passed because Bill Landen (R, Casper) changed his pledge to vote against the bill at the last minute. It’s not clear why he did this.

The bill must now go back to the house for a vote to approve the amendments to this bill, which may have the effect of seriously limiting its impact. The proposed amendment to the state Constitution appears unlikely to reach a full vote.

At one point in the Senate, HB74 included an amendment that would have obliged the state to alter its “welcome” signs at the border, advising motorists of the new law. Sadly, that language was removed.

]]>