Gay Couples Get Possible Support From Bozeman

Seven gay couples who are suing the state of Montana to be granted the same rights as married couples would get support from the city of Bozeman if an anticipated resolution is adopted.

The draft resolution says, "The Montana 'marriage amendment' precludes same-sex marriages, it does not preclude all couples from having the same fundamental rights" guaranteed by the state constitution, reports the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. City commissioners back the proposal and plan to consider it during their regular meeting September 27.

Not everyone supports it, however. Jeff Laszloffy, president of the Montana Family Foundation, tells city officials to remember that the 2004 amendment, which defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman, was passed by an overwhelming majority of voters. Laszloffy says city commissioners will be "acting contrary to the wishes of the majority" if they pass the resolution.

In July the American Civil Liberties Union sued the state on behalf of 14 plaintiffs, claiming the state constitution is violated by denying same-sex couples the same rights as married couples.