Kansas Gay Marriage Ban Takes Effect

An amendment to the Kansas Constitution banning same-sex marriage and civil unions went into effect Friday.

The measure was approved by voters April 5, (story) and today the State Board of Canvassers approved the results.

The amendment was accepted by 70 percent of the electorate.

Kansas was the first state to vote on the issue following last November’s election when 11 states amended their constitutions to prevent gays and lesbians from marrying.

But, following today’s meeting of the Board of Canvassers, Attorney General Phill Kline said the amendment would not prevent private businesses from providing benefits to same-sex couples if they chose.

Kline also said he believed the amendment would still allow allow governmental entities to extend benefits, but conservative groups said that if that became the case they would go to court.

Two of the state’s biggest private employers, Sprint and SBC Communications already have said they have no intention of canceling benefits to same-sex couples. (story) (source)