Wyoming Passes, Adds to Anti–Gay Marriage Bill

The Wyoming senate passed a bill Friday that would prevent any recognition of civil unions or marriages among same-sex couples who were wed or entered a union outside of the state.

The bill passed with a 16-14 vote after a last-minute amendment to add the civil union provision, according to the Casper Star-Tribune. The bill must now be revisited by the house of representatives, which will have to approve the new amendment.

Wyoming currently recognizes any valid marriage performed outside of the state, while still restricting marriages in the state to those between one man and one woman. Supporters of the ban on marriage equality argue that this law will close any loopholes allowing gay and lesbian couples to access the same benefits and responsibilities as heterosexual married couples.