Wyo. Senate Advances Anti-Marriage Equality Bill

The Wyoming senate voted Thursday to advance a bill that would ban recognition of same-sex marriages performed out of state, but the chamber also approved an amendment that would remove language to prohibit recognition of civil unions.

According to the Casper Star-Tribune, the bill passed a second reading on voice vote Tuesday and is scheduled for a final vote Friday before it heads to Gov. Matt Mead for signature. The proposed amendment to exempt civil unions is in question.

"While Mead has said he's against gay marriage, he's said he's 'interested' in possibly creating a 'parallel track' for same-sex couples," reports the Star-Tribune.

Meanwhile, senators rejected an amendment proposed by Sen. Cale Case, a Republican who opposes the antigay measure and wanted to use $200,000 for road signs at state borders to warn visitors about the new law. "Warning: your marriage or civil union may be void or voidable in Wyoming. Proceed with extreme caution," the signs would have said.