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Editorial board: Time for Wyoming to say yes to gay marriage

Changing state law regarding same-sex unions is the right and moral thing to do, it's increasingly inevitable and it'll fix a paradox in the law.

While a case now before a Wyoming court could result in a decision that strikes down the law, lawmakers should closely watch the court case and act decisively to change Wyoming's marriage law if the court does not.

There's already some momentum from legislators. Seven Republican state lawmakers recently penned a guest column in the Star-Tribune to say why they believe gay marriage meshes with conservative, Republican values. We echo their statements and applaud them for taking their stance.

Changing state law is the right thing to do and fits Wyoming's values.

It's inherently conservative to value the family, to encourage and support two people who want to commit themselves to each other and their children. It's inherently Republican to say that rights afforded to some should be extended to all, regardless of differences. It's inherently libertarian to say the government shouldn't define whether two consenting adults can be legally and exclusively bound to each other. It's inherently moral to say those who have committed themselves to each other shouldn't be excluded from the right, responsibilities or benefits of marriage.

It's increasingly inevitable Wyoming will change its laws and mind on this issue.

Both public opinion and the legal standing for same-sex unions are changing, and quickly. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia now allow same-sex couples to marry. Eight states allowed the unions through legislative action, six states did so by court decision and three by popular vote. Four more states -- Colorado, Oregon, Nevada and Wisconsin -- allow some sort of domestic partnership. Now Wyoming's facing a legal challenge to its marriage law, and South Dakota likely will soon.

More and more people appear to be genuinely changing their position on same-sex unions. And a look at poll trends from the last decade show a remarkable and accelerating shift in public support -- a majority in nearly all recent polls.

The courts also continue their bend toward allowing same-sex couples to wed.

Last June, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act and left in place a lower court's ruling calling a California same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals is currently considering a lower court's reversal of a Utah ban on same-sex unions. The appeals court's decision could have broad ramifications for similar cases across the West, including in Wyoming.

Al Simpson, former U.S. senator from Wyoming, and a trio of state legislators -- all Republicans -- penned an friend-of-the-court brief attacking Utah's ban. Their message was simple: Allowing gays and lesbians to marry promotes the social stability of the family unit.

Wyoming lawmakers should also change state law to make its marriage law gender-neutral, or it'll only face additional court challenges.

While a 1977 statute bans the performance or recognition of same-sex unions, the law also recognizes legal marriages from other state and countries. The paradox means while Wyoming won't allow gay marriage within its borders, it has allowed a same-sex couple to divorce. That's ludicrous. As more state and countries recognize same-sex unions, it's increasingly likely Wyoming's laws will face court challenges if they aren't reconciled.

We think such challenges should be unnecessary. The state Legislature is the best place for the state to come to terms with how same-sex unions is a good fit in Wyoming. Whichever way the courts rule, we hope the Legislature will revisit the matter and do the right and moral thing. http://trib.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-board-time-for-wyoming-to-
say-yes-to-gay/article_417ae9b4-1b0a-57a5-944e-743c6d9f98f1.html?comment_form=true

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Lawmakers: Gay marriage fits Republican values

As Republicans, we believe in a free market and the freedom to make your own way. We support a small government that works best when it gets out of the way. Just as our government has no place putting undue burden on businesses, it certainly has no place defining our families or our marriages. When two people find each other and enter into a committed relationship, we should honor that commitment. In America, freedom means freedom for everyone, including the freedom to marry the person you love.

We also believe our party is committed to strengthening families. When two people find each other and enter in a committed relationship, we should honor that commitment. The traditions that follow, including the merging of two families and the celebration of the union, give our lives stability and purpose – something we need more of in today’s uncertain world. Family is the foundation of America. But that doesn’t mean that all families are the same.

Each of our families is unique, with its own set of joys and challenges. All families, regardless of their size or make-up, share traditions, stories and values— and the bonds they create make our country strong.

We strive to teach our children to treat others the way we wish to be treated. And in this case, all loving and committed couples deserve to be treated with respect by members of their community and in the eyes of the law.

Between us, we represent constituents who have entrusted us to be their voice on issues they care about. Some are struggling to find work. Some are building businesses. And some want their loving and committed relationships to be legally recognized through marriage.

Earlier this year, the Wyoming House considered legislation to allow gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry. Unfortunately, the bill failed. For our colleague, Rep. Cathy Connolly, however, the debate wasn’t just political – it was personal. Under existing law, she cannot marry the person she loves. Her presence was a reminder of what is at stake, not just for Cathy and her family and for thousands of other Wyomingites; if we support families, we must support all families.

Nationally, majorities in support of marriage continue to grow. Last week, a group of prominent Republicans – including former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson – filed an amicus brief in support of the freedom to marry with the 10th Circuit court. As arguments begin early next month on a challenge to Utah’s marriage ban, the court’s decision could have a serious impact on all states in the 10th Circuit, including Wyoming.

As Republicans, we have stood up for lower taxes, protecting seniors and giving veterans the benefits they have earned. We don’t believe that these important tenets should be denied to certain citizens because of whom they are or who they love. In addition to the deep moral bond marriage represents, it also provides many practical benefits that should apply equally to all couples. Some, like social security and tax breaks, are routine for many couples but made more complicated or simply denied for others. Others benefits, like family medical leave and veteran’s benefits, are not available to all. Only marriage can guarantee that couples and families will have access to the services and benefits they need when they need them. There is no substitute.

Public opinion continues to shift, and in an attempt to muddy the waters, opponents are eager to change the conversation to topics that are not relevant. To be clear, we are discussing civil marriage for loving and committed couples. No clergy, church or religious organization will ever be forced to perform a wedding that violates their religious beliefs.

For us, this issue comes down to what’s right—for our beliefs and for our constituents. This issue is about people and their families, not about government. We cannot embrace a smaller government for business and an overreaching one for the families we claim to support. What starts on one knee and often includes struggles around a kitchen table or cheering from the stands, does not have a place for government. Supporting marriage for all couples is as simple as making sure everyone has the opportunity to find love and happiness. We all strive to treat others the way we wish to be treated.
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Rep. Ruth Ann Petroff, R-Jackson
Rep. Keith Gingery, R-Jackson
Rep. Matthias Green, R-Laramie
Rep. Kathy Coleman, R-Sheridan
Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne
Rep. David Blevins, R-Powell
Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette
http://trib.com/opinion/columns/lawmakers-gay-marriage-fits-republican
-values/article_9ff48467-75bf-5bf4-b070-1849de179cff.html

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