Wyo. House Passes Ban on Marriage Recognition

The Wyoming house passed a bill Monday that would ban recognition of out-of-state same-sex marriages and civil unions. The bill now heads to the state senate where prospects for passage appear strong.

According to the Casper Star-Tribune, "State Rep. Owen Petersen, R-Mountain View, the bill's sponsor, said the legislation is needed to resolve a conflict in Wyoming law, which defines marriage as a contract 'between a male and a female person' but also recognizes any valid marriage performed outside the state. Other supporters have said the bill will help to hold back government intrusion into Wyoming traditions and culture."

Similar legislation was voted down twice in the Wyoming house, but retirements and recent elections allowed the bill to pass by 32-37.