Nevada considers enshrining equal marriage in state constitution
A State Representative from Nevada wants to amend its constitution to protect same-sex marriage.
Nelson Araujo, the assistant Assembly Majority Leader, has proposed the state amend its governing document in order to protect from being challenged in court if the 2015 Supreme Court decision is overturned.
Currently, Nevada defines marriage as between one man and one woman but has allowed same-sex marriages since the iconic ruling nearly two years ago.
Announcing Joint Resolution Two in January, Mr Araujo said the Silver State should “issue marriage licences to couples regardless of gender”.
On Tuesday, at its first hearing in the Statehouse, the Assemblyman said: “Given the United States Supreme Court decision, it only makes sense that we take a look at Nevada’s Constitution and have it reflect the law of the land.”
Many have voiced their support to the legislation as it will protect a number of couples in the state who are already married.
Opponents of the amendment have said it could mean the introduction of polygamy in the state and asked why it wasn’t addressed.
Mr Araujo added he wasn’t surprised with the opposition’s argument.
He added: “Quite frankly, I just don’t think it pertains to the resolution.
“For them to continue to try to make that case really just invalidated many of their statements. We were there to talk about the more than 10,000 folks who’ve created that union.”
The process to adopt the amendment would take about five years, having to pass through both Houses of the legislature twice and go to voters in a ballot.
If it was to pass quickly, the earliest it could take effect is 2020.
