W. Virginia House
Defeats Constitutional Marriage Ban

West Virginia lawmakers voted down a proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage on Monday, a vote that went along party lines. Republican members of the house of delegates forced a full house vote on Monday after the bill failed to gain a committee's approval, according to the Associated Press.

The house vote to override the committee failed 30-67, with all Republicans and one Democrat, Tom Louisos, voting in favor of the ban.

West Virginia does not recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states (such as Connecticut or Massachusetts) or countries where it is legal. The state also has a law, though not a constitutional ban, making it illegal for same-sex couples to attain a marriage license.

The Family Policy Council of West Virginia, a conservative Christian group, has been pressuring state politicians to address this issue. Members launched a massive outreach campaign to delegates and Gov. Joe Manchin, with some residents reportedly making their views on the issue known via abusive or offensive phone calls and e-mail messages.