South Dakota Gay Marriage Amendment Passes House

And yet another state is passing laws to keep marriage, and even civil unions, from us.

(Pierre, South Dakota) Legislation to ban gay marriage in South Dakota met with little opposition when it came to vote in the House, Thursday.

State law already defines marriage as a union of one man and one woman. South Dakota, in 1996, became the first state to pass a so-called Defense of Marriage Act.

But, the measure’s sponsor, Rep. Elizabeth Kraus (R-Rapid City), says because courts in other states have overturned similar laws South Dakota needs to ensure that can be prevented.

The proposed amendment is two sentences long and blocks not only marriages but also civil union between gays.

“Only marriage between a man and a woman shall be valid or recognized in South Dakota,” is the first sentence of the measure. The second sentence: “The uniting of two or more persons in a civil union, domestic partnership, or other quasi-marital relationship shall not be valid or recognized.”

The House voted 55-14 to pass it. (source)