Topeka, KS -
The Kansas Legislature adjourned May 8, effectively killing a proposed anti-gay amendment to the state Constitution that would have denied marriage to same-sex couples in the state. The measure, which failed in Senate and House votes, would have also denied the legal protections of marriage to same-sex couples in civil unions or domestic partnerships.
"Legislators recognized that resurrecting an anti-gay amendment to the Kansas Constitution was a bad idea and waste of time," said HRC President Cheryl Jacques. "This amendment was twice rejected - first by the Senate and then by the House. But some lawmakers just couldn't take no for an answer. It's heartening to see fairness won out."
Following a successful House vote, the Senate, lead in part by Republican State Sen. David Adkins, rejected the measure on March 26. Lawmakers then brought the measure up for another vote. The Senate passed it, however, on May 4, the House rejected it the second time around.
"Legislators recognized that resurrecting an anti-gay amendment to the Kansas Constitution was a bad idea and waste of time," said HRC President Cheryl Jacques. "This amendment was twice rejected - first by the Senate and then by the House. But some lawmakers just couldn't take no for an answer. It's heartening to see fairness won out."
Following a successful House vote, the Senate, lead in part by Republican State Sen. David Adkins, rejected the measure on March 26. Lawmakers then brought the measure up for another vote. The Senate passed it, however, on May 4, the House rejected it the second time around.
