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U.S. state constitutional amendments banning same-sex unions

January 26, 2023

Prior to the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), U.S. state constitutional amendments banning same-sex unions of several different types passed, banning legal recognition of same-sex unions in U.S. state constitutions, referred to by proponents as "defense of marriage amendments" or "marriage protection amendments."[1] These state amendments are different from the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which would ban same-sex marriage in every U.S. state, and Section 2 of the Defense of Marriage Act, more commonly known as DOMA, which allowed the states not to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. The amendments define marriage as a union between one man and one woman and prevent civil unions or same-sex marriages from being legalized, though some of the amendments bar only the latter. The Obergefell decision in June 2015 invalidated these state constitutional amendments insofar as they prevented same-sex couples from marrying, even though the actual text of these amendments remain written into the state constitutions.

U.S. state constitutional amendments banning same-sex unions
  Constitutional amendment banned same-sex marriage, civil unions, and any marriage-like contract between unmarried persons
  Constitutional amendment banned same-sex marriage and civil unions
  Constitutional amendment banned same-sex marriage
  Constitutional amendment allowed legislatures to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples
  No state constitutional amendment banning legal recognition of same-sex unions
  Constitutional amendment recognizing same-sex marriage
Adoption of marriage amendments over time

Thirty-one U.S. state constitutional amendments banning legal recognition of same-sex unions have been adopted. Of these, ten make only same-sex marriage unconstitutional; sixteen make both same-sex marriage and civil unions unconstitutional; two make same-sex marriage, civil unions, and other contracts unconstitutional; and one is unique. Hawaii's amendment is unique in that it does not make same-sex marriage unconstitutional; rather, it allows the state to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples. Virginia's amendment prevents the state from recognizing private contracts that "approximate" marriage. Observers have pointed out that such language encompasses private contracts and medical directives.[2][3] Furthermore, the Michigan Supreme Court has held that the state's amendment bans not only same-sex marriage and civil unions, but also domestic partnership benefits such as health insurance.[4] On November 3, 2020, Nevada became the first U.S. state to repeal its amendment banning same-sex marriage following approval of 2020 Nevada Question 2.

State constitutional amendments are typically approved first by the legislature or special constitutional convention and then by the voters in a referendum.[a] In some states, one or both of these steps is repeated.[b] The percentages shown in the list are results from the referendum stage, not the legislative stage.

History

The idea of extending marriage rights to same-sex couples did not become a political issue in the United States until the 1990s. During that decade, several Western European countries legalized civil unions, and in 1993 the Supreme Court of Hawaii ruled in Baehr v. Lewin, 852 P.2d 44 (Haw. 1993), that refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples was sex-discrimination under that state's constitution.[7] In response, voters passed Hawaii Constitutional Amendment 2.[8] This amendment differed from future marriage amendments in other states as it did not ban same-sex marriage itself, but merely empowered the state legislature to enact such a ban.[9] In November 1998, 69% of Hawaii voters approved the amendment, and the state legislature exercised its power to ban same-sex marriage.[9][10] Only three constitutional bans on same-sex unions (in Alaska, Nebraska, and Nevada) were proposed between 1998 and 2003.[11] All three amendments passed.[12][13][14] In Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's November 2003 decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, the court legalized same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. Social and religious conservatives feared that their own state supreme courts would issue such rulings at some point in the future; in order to prevent this, they proposed additional constitutional bans on same-sex marriage.[15] The following year, eleven constitutional referendums banning same-sex unions were placed on state ballots.[16]

Purpose and motivation

Constitutional bans on same-sex unions were advocated in response to the legalization of same-sex marriage in other jurisdictions, notably Canada and Massachusetts.

Some amendments and some proposed amendments forbade a state from recognizing even non-marital civil unions and domestic partnerships, while others explicitly allowed for same-sex unions that were not called "marriages".

Such amendments had two main purposes:

  • Preventing a state's courts interpreting their state's constitution to permit or require legalization of same-sex marriage.
  • Preventing a state's courts recognizing same-sex marriages that were legally performed in other jurisdictions.

Some proponents of such amendments feared that states would be forced to recognize same-sex marriages celebrated in other jurisdictions. They pointed to the full faith and credit clause, which requires each state to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of each other state. On the other hand, opponents argued that state constitutional amendments would do nothing to resolve this perceived problem. Traditionally, courts have held that a state is free to decline to recognize a marriage celebrated elsewhere if the marriage violates the state's strong public policy. (§134 of the First Restatement of Conflicts, on Marriage and Legitimacy (1934)). That tradition was broken in 1967 with the Loving v. Virginia case decided by a unanimous Supreme Court, which confirmed that the full faith and credit clause did require recognition of all legal marriages. Similarly, in Obergefell v. Hodges the Supreme Court ruled that the federal constitution required state recognition of same-sex marriages. All state constitutions are trumped by the federal constitution due to the supremacy clause.

Conservative mobilization

State referendums on constitutional bans of same-sex unions have at times been accused of having been used as a "get-out-the-vote" tactic by some Republicans and social conservatives.[17][18] When voters see that a particular legislative initiative appears on the ballot, they are thought to feel more motivated to turn out to vote, enhancing ballot numbers for other candidates and issues of their party. The presence of these amendments on state ballots has been credited by some as supposedly providing a boost to Republicans in the 2004 election, and the 2004 Ohio amendment in particular has been cited as aiding President George W. Bush's reelection campaign by motivating evangelical social conservatives in the state to go to the polls.[17][19] President George W. Bush's close political consultant, Karl Rove, has been an enthusiastic proponent and organizer of legislation banning same-sex unions.

After the 2006 elections some activists argued that such referendums were starting to lose their potential to mobilize conservative voters. Kevin Cathcart, director of Lambda Legal pointed to the narrow defeat of Arizona's Proposition 107, which would have rendered civil unions as well as same-sex marriage unconstitutional.[20] Nevertheless, that same election saw seven such amendments pass; these seven included an amendment in Virginia which banned civil unions as well as same-sex marriages.[21]

Variants

Most U.S. state constitutional amendments banning same-sex unions banned civil unions as well as same-sex marriage.[22]

Two marriage amendments differed greatly from all others: Hawaii's and Virginia's. The former gave the Hawaii state legislature the authority to ban same-sex marriages but did not explicitly make such unions unconstitutional. Virginia's amendment not only banned same-sex marriage and civil unions, but arguably rendered any state recognition of private contracts entered into by unmarried couples unconstitutional.[23]

Approved amendments

Amendments that grant legislative authority to ban same-sex marriage

 
State Year Support vote % Title Amendment
Hawaii 1998 69%[24][25] Constitutional Amendment 2[24] The legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples.[26]

Amendments that ban same-sex marriage

 
State Year Support vote % Title Amendment (in relevant part)
Alaska 1998 68%[27] Ballot Measure 2, Joint Resolution 42[27] To be valid or recognized in this State, a marriage may exist only between one man and one woman.[28]
Mississippi 2004 86%[29] Mississippi Amendment 1[29] Marriage may take place and may be valid under the laws of this state only between a man and a woman.[30]
Missouri 2004 72%[31] Constitutional Amendment 2[32] To be valid and recognized in this state, a marriage shall exist only between a man and a woman.[33]
Montana 2004 67%[29] Montana Initiative 96[29] Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.[34]
Oregon 2004 57%[29] Oregon Ballot Measure 36[35] Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or legally recognized as a marriage.[36]
Colorado 2006 56%[37] Colorado Amendment 43[38] Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.[38]
Tennessee 2006 81%[37] Tennessee Amendment 1[39] The historical institution and legal contract solemnizing the relationship of one man and one woman shall be the only legally recognized marital contract in this state.[39]
Arizona 2008 56%[40] Arizona Proposition 102[41] Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.[41]
California 2008 52%[40] California Proposition 8[42] Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.[42]

Amendments that ban same-sex marriage and civil unions, but not other contracts

 
State Year Support vote % Title Amendment (in relevant part)
Nebraska 2000 70%[43] Initiative Measure 416[43] Only marriage between a man and a woman shall be valid or recognized in Nebraska. The uniting of two persons of the same sex in a civil union, domestic partnership, or other similar same-sex relationship shall not be valid or recognized in Nebraska.[44]
Arkansas 2004 75%[29] Constitutional Amendment 3[45] (1) Marriage consists only of the union of one man and one woman. (2) Legal status for unmarried persons which is identical or substantially similar to marital status shall not be valid or recognized in Arkansas.[46]
Georgia 2004 76%[29] Constitutional Amendment 1[47] (a) This state shall recognize as marriage only the union of man and woman. Marriages between persons of the same sex are prohibited in this state. (b) No union between persons of the same sex shall be recognized by this state as entitled to the benefits of marriage.[48]
Kentucky 2004 75%[29] Constitutional Amendment 1[49] Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Kentucky. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized.[50]
Louisiana 2004 78%[29] Constitutional Amendment 1[51] Marriage in the state of Louisiana shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman. No official or court of the state of Louisiana shall construe this constitution or any state law to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon any member of a union other than the union of one man and one woman. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized.[52]
North Dakota 2004 73%[29] North Dakota Constitutional Measure 1[53] Marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman. No other domestic union, however denominated, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect.[54]
Ohio 2004 62%[29] State Issue 1[55] Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state. This state and shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effect of marriage.[56]
Oklahoma 2004 76%[29] State Question 711[57] A. Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman. Neither this Constitution nor any other provision of law shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups. C. Any person knowingly issuing a marriage license in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.[58]
Utah 2004 66%[29] Constitutional Amendment 3[59] Marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman. No other domestic union, however denominated, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect.[60]
Kansas 2005 70%[61] Proposed Amendment 1[62] (a) Marriage shall be constituted by one man and one woman only. All other marriages are declared to be contrary to the public policy of this state and are void. (b) No relationship, other than a marriage, shall be recognized by the state as entitling the parties to the rights or incidents of marriage.[63]
Texas 2005 76%[64] Proposition 2[64] (a) Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman. (b) This state or a political subdivision of this state may not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to marriage.[65]
Alabama 2006 81%[66] Sanctity of Marriage Amendment (Amendment 774)[67] No marriage license shall be issued in the State of Alabama to parties of the same sex...

A union replicating marriage of or between persons of the same sex in the State of Alabama or in any other jurisdiction shall be considered and treated in all respects as having no legal force or effect in this state and shall not be recognized by this state as a marriage or other union replicating marriage.[67]

Idaho 2006 63%[37] Idaho Amendment 2[37] A marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.[68]
South Carolina[c] 2006 78%[37] South Carolina Amendment 1[37] A marriage between one man and one woman is the only lawful domestic union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This State...shall not recognize...any other domestic union, however denominated.[69]
South Dakota 2006 52%[37] South Dakota Amendment C[37] Only marriage between a man and a woman shall be valid or recognized in South Dakota. The uniting of two or more persons in a civil union, domestic partnership, or other quasi-marital relationship shall not be valid or recognized in South Dakota.[70]
Wisconsin 2006 59%[37] Wisconsin Referendum 1[37] Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state.[71]
Florida 2008 62%[40] Florida Amendment 2[72] Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of one man and one woman as husband and wife, no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized.[72]
North Carolina 2012 61%[73] Amendment 1 Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State. This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts.[74]

Amendments that ban same-sex marriage, civil unions, and other contracts

 
State Year Support vote % Title Amendment
Michigan 2004 59%[29] State Proposal - 04-2[75] To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose.[76][77]
Virginia 2006 57%[78] Marshall-Newman Amendment[78] That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions. This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage. Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage.[79]

Repealed amendments

 
State Year Support vote % Title Amendment (in relevant part)
Nevada 2000, 2002,[b] 2020 69.6%, 67.1%,[b]
62%[80]		 2002 Nevada Question 2[6]
2020 Nevada Question 2		 2002 Nevada Question 2: Only a marriage between a male and female person shall be recognized and given effect in this state.[81]
2020 Nevada Question 2: "1. The State of Nevada and its political subdivisions shall recognize marriages and issue marriage licenses to couples regardless of gender. 2. Religious organizations and members of the clergy have the right to refuse to solemnize a marriage, and no person has the right to make any claim against a religious organization or member of the clergy for such a refusal. 3. All legally valid marriages must be treated equally under the law."[82]

Failed amendments

  • Arizona Proposition 107 – On November 7, 2006, Arizona rejected a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions by 51.8% of the vote. Two years later Arizona voters approved a more narrow amendment banning only same-sex marriage.
  • Minnesota Amendment 1 – On November 6, 2012, Minnesota rejected a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage with 51.90% of the electorate opposed. A majority of all votes cast would be required to amend the state constitution.

Obergefell v. Hodges

Main article: Obergefell v. Hodges

On June 26, 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell that state laws banning same-sex marriage violate the Fourteenth Amendment, rendering such laws unconstitutional and invalidating the remaining 14 same-sex marriage bans still being fully or partially enforced.[83]

As of 2016, bills have been introduced in Virginia and other states to legislatively repeal the null-and-void amendments.[84]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ The mechanics differ: 17 states allow constitutional amendments to be proposed by popular initiative, all allow the legislature to start the process, and five allow special conventions to start the process. In all states, though, the amendment is approved by elected members of a constitutional convention or elected legislators at least once, with varying standards for approval of the measure. Voters then vote directly on the resulting referendum, except in Delaware, where constitutional amendments are voted on and ratified only by the state legislature.[5]
  2. ^ a b c Amendments to the Nevada state constitution must be approved by the voters in two consecutive elections.[6]
  3. ^ South Carolina's Amendment explicitly disavows a Virginia-type regime that would affect private contracts: "This section shall not prohibit or limit parties, other than the State or its political subdivisions, from entering into contracts or other legal instruments."[69]

References

  1. ^ Walden, Michael; Thoms, Peg, eds. (2007). Battleground: business. Vol. 2. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 468. ISBN 978-0-313-34065-9.
  2. ^ Freehling, Bill (November 21, 2006). "Test case is urged by ACLU". The Free Lance-Star. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2006.
  3. ^ Glidden, Melissa; Jackson-Cooper, Brenda; Nickel, Leslie (August 11, 2006). (PDF). Arnold & Porter, LLP. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 20, 2017. Retrieved December 15, 2006.
  4. ^ National Pride At Work, Inc. et al. v. Governor of Michigan et al., 748 N.W.2d 524 (Mich 2008).
  5. ^ Lutz, Donald S. (June 1994). "Toward a Theory of Constitutional Amendment". American Political Science Review. 88 (2): 355–370. Page 360. Table 3. Covers State Constitutions active from 1970–9. doi:10.2307/2944709. JSTOR 2944709. S2CID 144713465.
  6. ^ a b . Gaydemographics.org. Archived from the original on October 16, 2006. Retrieved November 30, 2006.
  7. ^ "Special Report: 'I do' June 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine" Honolulu Star-Bulletin January 22, 1997
  8. ^ "Gay Marriage Timeline". Pew Forum. April 1, 2008. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  9. ^ a b "Homosexual (same-sex) marriages in Hawaii" Robinson, B.A. Religious Tolerance. 1997-JUL-11, updated 2001-DEC-2
  10. ^ "Same-sex marriage ballot measures: Hawaii gives legislature power to ban same-sex marriage" AllPolitics. CNN. November 3, 1998
  11. ^ In Alaska, a same-sex couple had sued for marriage rights, and had seen several rulings in their favor; the Alaska ban arose in an effort to prevent the ruling from taking effect. See "Homosexual (same-sex) marriage in Alaska" Robinson, B.A. Religioustolerance.org. 2002. (last update 2005-APR-21). accessed November 3, 2006.
  12. ^ "Same-sex marriage in Alaska". Religious Tolerance. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  13. ^ Jody Brown and Bill Fancher, AgapePress (May 15, 2005). . Crosswalk. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  14. ^ Vogel, Ed (February 23, 2011). "Legal challenge to Nevada's anti-gay marriage amendment not expected". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
  15. ^ Masci, David (April 10, 2008). "An Overview of the Same-Sex Marriage Debate - Pew Research Center". Pew Research. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  16. ^ "Election 2004 - Ballot Measures". CNN. April 13, 1970. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  17. ^ a b Andrea Stone, Drives to ban gay adoption heat up in 16 states, USA Today, February 20, 2006
  18. ^ Pauline J. Chang, Wisconsin Conservatives Gear Up For Marriage Vote with 'Celebration' November 4, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, The Christian Post, October 25, 2006
  19. ^ Joe Hanel, Elite donors fuel ballot initiatives September 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, The Durango Herald, October 29, 2006
  20. ^ "Ban on Same-Sex Unions Added to Va. Constitution". The Washington Post. November 8, 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
  21. ^ "Ban on Same-Sex Unions Added to Va. Constitution", by Chris L. Jenkins, The Washington Post, November 8, 2006
  22. ^ "Marriage Measure Is an Amendment Too Far", by David Boaz, Cato Institute, November 3, 2006. property rights[permanent dead link] text of va ballot question no. 1 July 3, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
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  24. ^ General Election 1998, Hawaii Office of Elections, November 3, 1998, retrieved July 6, 2010
  25. ^ Hawai`i State Constitution August 19, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, Article I, section 23, Hawaii Legislative Reference Bureau. (Accessed November 30, 2006). This amendment does not ban same sex marriage; rather, it grants the power to do so to the state.
  26. ^ a b Homosexual (same-sex) marriages in Alaska Robinson, B.A. ReligiousTolerance.org. Accessed November 30, 2006)
  27. ^ Alaska State Constitution July 9, 2009, at the Wayback Machine Hosted on the Alaska Legislature's website. Accessed November 30, 2006.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n CNN.com Election 2004 - Ballot Measures Accessed November 30, 2006.
  29. ^ "DOMAwatch.org - Mississippi March 10, 2005, at the Wayback Machine" Alliance Defense Fund. 2006. Accessed December 14, 2006.
  30. ^ Gay Marriage Ban in Mo. May Resonate Nationwide Cooperman, Alan Washington Post August 5, 2004. Accessed December 14, 2006. Missouri's Amendment was the first such referendum voted on since same-sex marriage was legalized in Massachusetts.
  31. ^ "Elections: 2004 Ballot Measures" Missouri Secretary of State.
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  33. ^ The Montana Constitution March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine" Hosted on the Montana Legislature's website. Accessed November 30, 2006.
  34. ^ Oregon Voters' Pamphlet - Measure 36, page 77 . Oregon Secretary of State. 2004. Accessed December 14, 2006.
  35. ^ The Constitution of the State of Oregon February 5, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Article XV (Miscellaneous) Section 5a. Hosted on the Oregon Legislature's website. Accessed December 14, 2006.
  36. ^ a b c d e f g h i j CNN.com Election 2006 - Ballot Measures Accessed December 14, 2006.
  37. ^ a b Analysis of the 2006 Ballot Proposals (Research Publication No. 554) Legislative Council of the Colorado General Assembly. p.13 Accessed December 14, 2006.
  38. ^ a b Constitutional Amendment Issues Tennessee Secretary of State. No date, author given. Accessed December 14, 2006.
  39. ^ a b c CNN.com Election 2008 - Ballot Measures Accessed November 10, 2008.
  40. ^ a b 2008 Ballot Proposition Guide November 8, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer, September 2008. Accessed November 11, 2008.
  41. ^ a b Text of Proposed Laws, California Secretary of State, p. 128. Accessed November 10, 2008.
  42. ^ a b Statewide General Election 2000 Results, Constitutional Amendments and Initiative Measures June 9, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Nebraska Secretary of State, p. 21-22. Accessed December 17, 2006.
  43. ^ Nebraska State Constitution[permanent dead link], Article I, section 29, Nebraska Legislative Documents Legislature. Accessed December 15, 2006.
  44. ^ Arkansas Initiatives & Amendments, 1938-2004[permanent dead link], p. 20, Arkansas Secretary of State. Accessed December 18, 2006.
  45. ^ Arkansas State Constitution, 83rd Amendment, Arkansas Legislature. Accessed December 18, 2006.
  46. ^ Official Results of the November 2, 2004 General Election December 13, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, Georgia Secretary of State. Accessed December 18, 2006.
  47. ^ Constitution of the State of Georgia January 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Article I, section IV, Georgia Secretary of State. Accessed December 18, 2006.
  48. ^ 2004 Election Night Tally Results March 4, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Kentucky State Board of Elections. Accessed December 18, 2006.
  49. ^ Kentucky Constitution, Section 233A March 9, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Kentucky Legislature. Accessed December 18, 2006.
  50. ^ Results for Election Date: 9/18/04 February 3, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, Louisiana Secretary of State. Accessed December 19, 2006.
  51. ^ Louisiana Constitution, Article 12, section 15, Louisiana State Senate. Accessed December 19, 2006.
  52. ^ Election Results, 2004 General Election February 13, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, North Dakota Secretary of State Election Management System. Accessed December 20, 2006.
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  54. ^ Official Ballot Language June 22, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, Ohio Secretary of State. Accessed December 21, 2006.
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  56. ^ General Election, November 2, 2004, Summary Results April 2, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Oklahoma State Election Board. Accessed December 22, 2006.
  57. ^ Oklahoma Constitution March 10, 2005, at the Wayback Machine, Article II, section 35, at domawatch.org. Accessed December 22, 2006.
  58. ^ Utah 2004 canvass amendments September 23, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, 2004 General Election Results, State of Utah Elections Office. Accessed December 15, 2006.
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  64. ^ Texas Constitution April 22, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Article I, section 32. Accessed December 22, 2006.
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  66. ^ a b "AMENDMENT 774 RATIFIED", Alabama State Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2006.
  67. ^ Article III, Section 28 September 23, 2006, at the Wayback Machine. Idaho Constitution. Idaho State Legislature. Accessed January 6, 2007.
  68. ^ a b p.24 No.54 edition of the Journal of the Senate of the State of South Carolina. October 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine State of South Carolina. April 2005. Accessed January 6, 2007.
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  81. ^ Assembly Joint Resolution No. 2
  82. ^ Prior to Obergefell Alabama and Kansas had one or more court ruling invalidating the state's same-sex marriage bans but were not fully complying with the rulings.
  83. ^ Sullivan, Patricia (July 29, 2016). "Virginia still has laws banning gay marriage. Should that matter?". Washington Post. Retrieved July 30, 2016.

January 26, 2023
state, constitutional, amendments, banning, same, unions, prior, supreme, court, decision, obergefell, hodges, 2015, several, different, types, passed, banning, legal, recognition, same, unions, state, constitutions, referred, proponents, defense, marriage, am. Prior to the Supreme Court s decision in Obergefell v Hodges 2015 U S state constitutional amendments banning same sex unions of several different types passed banning legal recognition of same sex unions in U S state constitutions referred to by proponents as defense of marriage amendments or marriage protection amendments 1 These state amendments are different from the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment which would ban same sex marriage in every U S state and Section 2 of the Defense of Marriage Act more commonly known as DOMA which allowed the states not to recognize same sex marriages from other states The amendments define marriage as a union between one man and one woman and prevent civil unions or same sex marriages from being legalized though some of the amendments bar only the latter The Obergefell decision in June 2015 invalidated these state constitutional amendments insofar as they prevented same sex couples from marrying even though the actual text of these amendments remain written into the state constitutions U S state constitutional amendments banning same sex unions Constitutional amendment banned same sex marriage civil unions and any marriage like contract between unmarried persons Constitutional amendment banned same sex marriage and civil unions Constitutional amendment banned same sex marriage Constitutional amendment allowed legislatures to limit marriage to opposite sex couples No state constitutional amendment banning legal recognition of same sex unions Constitutional amendment recognizing same sex marriage Adoption of marriage amendments over time Thirty one U S state constitutional amendments banning legal recognition of same sex unions have been adopted Of these ten make only same sex marriage unconstitutional sixteen make both same sex marriage and civil unions unconstitutional two make same sex marriage civil unions and other contracts unconstitutional and one is unique Hawaii s amendment is unique in that it does not make same sex marriage unconstitutional rather it allows the state to limit marriage to opposite sex couples Virginia s amendment prevents the state from recognizing private contracts that approximate marriage Observers have pointed out that such language encompasses private contracts and medical directives 2 3 Furthermore the Michigan Supreme Court has held that the state s amendment bans not only same sex marriage and civil unions but also domestic partnership benefits such as health insurance 4 On November 3 2020 Nevada became the first U S state to repeal its amendment banning same sex marriage following approval of 2020 Nevada Question 2 State constitutional amendments are typically approved first by the legislature or special constitutional convention and then by the voters in a referendum a In some states one or both of these steps is repeated b The percentages shown in the list are results from the referendum stage not the legislative stage Contents 1 History 2 Purpose and motivation 2 1 Conservative mobilization 3 Variants 4 Approved amendments 4 1 Amendments that grant legislative authority to ban same sex marriage 4 2 Amendments that ban same sex marriage 4 3 Amendments that ban same sex marriage and civil unions but not other contracts 4 4 Amendments that ban same sex marriage civil unions and other contracts 4 5 Repealed amendments 5 Failed amendments 6 Obergefell v Hodges 7 See also 8 Notes 9 ReferencesHistory EditThe idea of extending marriage rights to same sex couples did not become a political issue in the United States until the 1990s During that decade several Western European countries legalized civil unions and in 1993 the Supreme Court of Hawaii ruled in Baehr v Lewin 852 P 2d 44 Haw 1993 that refusing to grant marriage licenses to same sex couples was sex discrimination under that state s constitution 7 In response voters passed Hawaii Constitutional Amendment 2 8 This amendment differed from future marriage amendments in other states as it did not ban same sex marriage itself but merely empowered the state legislature to enact such a ban 9 In November 1998 69 of Hawaii voters approved the amendment and the state legislature exercised its power to ban same sex marriage 9 10 Only three constitutional bans on same sex unions in Alaska Nebraska and Nevada were proposed between 1998 and 2003 11 All three amendments passed 12 13 14 In Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court s November 2003 decision in Goodridge v Department of Public Health the court legalized same sex marriage in Massachusetts Social and religious conservatives feared that their own state supreme courts would issue such rulings at some point in the future in order to prevent this they proposed additional constitutional bans on same sex marriage 15 The following year eleven constitutional referendums banning same sex unions were placed on state ballots 16 Purpose and motivation EditThis section needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources Unsourced material may be challenged and removed January 2011 Learn how and when to remove this template message Constitutional bans on same sex unions were advocated in response to the legalization of same sex marriage in other jurisdictions notably Canada and Massachusetts Some amendments and some proposed amendments forbade a state from recognizing even non marital civil unions and domestic partnerships while others explicitly allowed for same sex unions that were not called marriages Such amendments had two main purposes Preventing a state s courts interpreting their state s constitution to permit or require legalization of same sex marriage Preventing a state s courts recognizing same sex marriages that were legally performed in other jurisdictions Some proponents of such amendments feared that states would be forced to recognize same sex marriages celebrated in other jurisdictions They pointed to the full faith and credit clause which requires each state to recognize the public acts records and judicial proceedings of each other state On the other hand opponents argued that state constitutional amendments would do nothing to resolve this perceived problem Traditionally courts have held that a state is free to decline to recognize a marriage celebrated elsewhere if the marriage violates the state s strong public policy 134 of the First Restatement of Conflicts on Marriage and Legitimacy 1934 That tradition was broken in 1967 with the Loving v Virginia case decided by a unanimous Supreme Court which confirmed that the full faith and credit clause did require recognition of all legal marriages Similarly in Obergefell v Hodges the Supreme Court ruled that the federal constitution required state recognition of same sex marriages All state constitutions are trumped by the federal constitution due to the supremacy clause Conservative mobilization Edit State referendums on constitutional bans of same sex unions have at times been accused of having been used as a get out the vote tactic by some Republicans and social conservatives 17 18 When voters see that a particular legislative initiative appears on the ballot they are thought to feel more motivated to turn out to vote enhancing ballot numbers for other candidates and issues of their party The presence of these amendments on state ballots has been credited by some as supposedly providing a boost to Republicans in the 2004 election and the 2004 Ohio amendment in particular has been cited as aiding President George W Bush s reelection campaign by motivating evangelical social conservatives in the state to go to the polls 17 19 President George W Bush s close political consultant Karl Rove has been an enthusiastic proponent and organizer of legislation banning same sex unions After the 2006 elections some activists argued that such referendums were starting to lose their potential to mobilize conservative voters Kevin Cathcart director of Lambda Legal pointed to the narrow defeat of Arizona s Proposition 107 which would have rendered civil unions as well as same sex marriage unconstitutional 20 Nevertheless that same election saw seven such amendments pass these seven included an amendment in Virginia which banned civil unions as well as same sex marriages 21 Variants EditMost U S state constitutional amendments banning same sex unions banned civil unions as well as same sex marriage 22 Two marriage amendments differed greatly from all others Hawaii s and Virginia s The former gave the Hawaii state legislature the authority to ban same sex marriages but did not explicitly make such unions unconstitutional Virginia s amendment not only banned same sex marriage and civil unions but arguably rendered any state recognition of private contracts entered into by unmarried couples unconstitutional 23 Approved amendments EditAmendments that grant legislative authority to ban same sex marriage Edit State Year Support vote Title AmendmentHawaii 1998 69 24 25 Constitutional Amendment 2 24 The legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite sex couples 26 Amendments that ban same sex marriage Edit State Year Support vote Title Amendment in relevant part Alaska 1998 68 27 Ballot Measure 2 Joint Resolution 42 27 To be valid or recognized in this State a marriage may exist only between one man and one woman 28 Mississippi 2004 86 29 Mississippi Amendment 1 29 Marriage may take place and may be valid under the laws of this state only between a man and a woman 30 Missouri 2004 72 31 Constitutional Amendment 2 32 To be valid and recognized in this state a marriage shall exist only between a man and a woman 33 Montana 2004 67 29 Montana Initiative 96 29 Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state 34 Oregon 2004 57 29 Oregon Ballot Measure 36 35 Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or legally recognized as a marriage 36 Colorado 2006 56 37 Colorado Amendment 43 38 Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state 38 Tennessee 2006 81 37 Tennessee Amendment 1 39 The historical institution and legal contract solemnizing the relationship of one man and one woman shall be the only legally recognized marital contract in this state 39 Arizona 2008 56 40 Arizona Proposition 102 41 Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state 41 California 2008 52 40 California Proposition 8 42 Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California 42 Amendments that ban same sex marriage and civil unions but not other contracts Edit State Year Support vote Title Amendment in relevant part Nebraska 2000 70 43 Initiative Measure 416 43 Only marriage between a man and a woman shall be valid or recognized in Nebraska The uniting of two persons of the same sex in a civil union domestic partnership or other similar same sex relationship shall not be valid or recognized in Nebraska 44 Arkansas 2004 75 29 Constitutional Amendment 3 45 1 Marriage consists only of the union of one man and one woman 2 Legal status for unmarried persons which is identical or substantially similar to marital status shall not be valid or recognized in Arkansas 46 Georgia 2004 76 29 Constitutional Amendment 1 47 a This state shall recognize as marriage only the union of man and woman Marriages between persons of the same sex are prohibited in this state b No union between persons of the same sex shall be recognized by this state as entitled to the benefits of marriage 48 Kentucky 2004 75 29 Constitutional Amendment 1 49 Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Kentucky A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized 50 Louisiana 2004 78 29 Constitutional Amendment 1 51 Marriage in the state of Louisiana shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman No official or court of the state of Louisiana shall construe this constitution or any state law to require that marriage or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon any member of a union other than the union of one man and one woman A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized 52 North Dakota 2004 73 29 North Dakota Constitutional Measure 1 53 Marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman No other domestic union however denominated may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect 54 Ohio 2004 62 29 State Issue 1 55 Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state This state and shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design qualities significance or effect of marriage 56 Oklahoma 2004 76 29 State Question 711 57 A Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman Neither this Constitution nor any other provision of law shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups C Any person knowingly issuing a marriage license in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor 58 Utah 2004 66 29 Constitutional Amendment 3 59 Marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman No other domestic union however denominated may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substantially equivalent legal effect 60 Kansas 2005 70 61 Proposed Amendment 1 62 a Marriage shall be constituted by one man and one woman only All other marriages are declared to be contrary to the public policy of this state and are void b No relationship other than a marriage shall be recognized by the state as entitling the parties to the rights or incidents of marriage 63 Texas 2005 76 64 Proposition 2 64 a Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of one man and one woman b This state or a political subdivision of this state may not create or recognize any legal status identical or similar to marriage 65 Alabama 2006 81 66 Sanctity of Marriage Amendment Amendment 774 67 No marriage license shall be issued in the State of Alabama to parties of the same sex A union replicating marriage of or between persons of the same sex in the State of Alabama or in any other jurisdiction shall be considered and treated in all respects as having no legal force or effect in this state and shall not be recognized by this state as a marriage or other union replicating marriage 67 Idaho 2006 63 37 Idaho Amendment 2 37 A marriage between a man and a woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state 68 South Carolina c 2006 78 37 South Carolina Amendment 1 37 A marriage between one man and one woman is the only lawful domestic union that shall be valid or recognized in this State This State shall not recognize any other domestic union however denominated 69 South Dakota 2006 52 37 South Dakota Amendment C 37 Only marriage between a man and a woman shall be valid or recognized in South Dakota The uniting of two or more persons in a civil union domestic partnership or other quasi marital relationship shall not be valid or recognized in South Dakota 70 Wisconsin 2006 59 37 Wisconsin Referendum 1 37 Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state 71 Florida 2008 62 40 Florida Amendment 2 72 Inasmuch as marriage is the legal union of one man and one woman as husband and wife no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized 72 North Carolina 2012 61 73 Amendment 1 Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts 74 Amendments that ban same sex marriage civil unions and other contracts Edit State Year Support vote Title AmendmentMichigan 2004 59 29 State Proposal 04 2 75 To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose 76 77 Virginia 2006 57 78 Marshall Newman Amendment 78 That only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions This Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design qualities significance or effects of marriage Nor shall this Commonwealth or its political subdivisions create or recognize another union partnership or other legal status to which is assigned the rights benefits obligations qualities or effects of marriage 79 Repealed amendments Edit State Year Support vote Title Amendment in relevant part Nevada 2000 2002 b 2020 69 6 67 1 b 62 80 2002 Nevada Question 2 6 2020 Nevada Question 2 2002 Nevada Question 2 Only a marriage between a male and female person shall be recognized and given effect in this state 81 2020 Nevada Question 2 1 The State of Nevada and its political subdivisions shall recognize marriages and issue marriage licenses to couples regardless of gender 2 Religious organizations and members of the clergy have the right to refuse to solemnize a marriage and no person has the right to make any claim against a religious organization or member of the clergy for such a refusal 3 All legally valid marriages must be treated equally under the law 82 Failed amendments EditArizona Proposition 107 On November 7 2006 Arizona rejected a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage and civil unions by 51 8 of the vote Two years later Arizona voters approved a more narrow amendment banning only same sex marriage Minnesota Amendment 1 On November 6 2012 Minnesota rejected a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage with 51 90 of the electorate opposed A majority of all votes cast would be required to amend the state constitution Obergefell v Hodges EditMain article Obergefell v Hodges On June 26 2015 the U S Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell that state laws banning same sex marriage violate the Fourteenth Amendment rendering such laws unconstitutional and invalidating the remaining 14 same sex marriage bans still being fully or partially enforced 83 As of 2016 bills have been introduced in Virginia and other states to legislatively repeal the null and void amendments 84 See also EditSame sex marriage law in the United States by stateNotes Edit The mechanics differ 17 states allow constitutional amendments to be proposed by popular initiative all allow the legislature to start the process and five allow special conventions to start the process In all states though the amendment is approved by elected members of a constitutional convention or elected legislators at least once with varying standards for approval of the measure Voters then vote directly on the resulting referendum except in Delaware where constitutional amendments are voted on and ratified only by the state legislature 5 a b c Amendments to the Nevada state constitution must be approved by the voters in two consecutive elections 6 South Carolina s Amendment explicitly disavows a Virginia type regime that would affect private contracts This section shall not prohibit or limit parties other than the State or its political subdivisions from entering into contracts or other legal instruments 69 References Edit Walden Michael Thoms Peg eds 2007 Battleground business Vol 2 Greenwood Publishing Group p 468 ISBN 978 0 313 34065 9 Freehling Bill November 21 2006 Test case is urged by ACLU The Free Lance Star Archived from the original on January 2 2013 Retrieved December 15 2006 Glidden Melissa Jackson Cooper Brenda Nickel Leslie August 11 2006 Potential Impact of the Proposed Marshall Newman Amendment to the Virginia Constitution PDF Arnold amp Porter LLP Archived from the original PDF on March 20 2017 Retrieved December 15 2006 National Pride At Work Inc et al v Governor of Michigan et al 748 N W 2d 524 Mich 2008 Lutz Donald S June 1994 Toward a Theory of Constitutional Amendment American Political Science Review 88 2 355 370 Page 360 Table 3 Covers State Constitutions active from 1970 9 doi 10 2307 2944709 JSTOR 2944709 S2CID 144713465 a b Gay rights ballot initiatives Gaydemographics org Archived from the original on October 16 2006 Retrieved November 30 2006 Special Report I do Archived June 3 2008 at the Wayback Machine Honolulu Star Bulletin January 22 1997 Gay Marriage Timeline Pew Forum April 1 2008 Retrieved February 5 2012 a b Homosexual same sex marriages in Hawaii Robinson B A Religious Tolerance 1997 JUL 11 updated 2001 DEC 2 Same sex marriage ballot measures Hawaii gives legislature power to ban same sex marriage AllPolitics CNN November 3 1998 In Alaska a same sex couple had sued for marriage rights and had seen several rulings in their favor the Alaska ban arose in an effort to prevent the ruling from taking effect See Homosexual same sex marriage in Alaska Robinson B A Religioustolerance org 2002 last update 2005 APR 21 accessed November 3 2006 Same sex marriage in Alaska Religious Tolerance Retrieved February 5 2012 Jody Brown and Bill Fancher AgapePress May 15 2005 Family Advocates Judicial Activism Runs Amok in Nebraska Jody Brown and Bill Fancher Crosswalk Archived from the original on March 6 2012 Retrieved February 5 2012 Vogel Ed February 23 2011 Legal challenge to Nevada s anti gay marriage amendment not expected Las Vegas Review Journal Masci David April 10 2008 An Overview of the Same Sex Marriage Debate Pew Research Center Pew Research Retrieved February 5 2012 Election 2004 Ballot Measures CNN April 13 1970 Retrieved February 5 2012 a b Andrea Stone Drives to ban gay adoption heat up in 16 states USA Today February 20 2006 Pauline J Chang Wisconsin Conservatives Gear Up For Marriage Vote with Celebration Archived November 4 2006 at the Wayback Machine The Christian Post October 25 2006 Joe Hanel Elite donors fuel ballot initiatives Archived September 28 2007 at the Wayback Machine The Durango Herald October 29 2006 Antigay Campaigns Don t Get the Vote permanent dead link November 2006 Lambda Legal website Ban on Same Sex Unions Added to Va Constitution The Washington Post November 8 2006 Retrieved February 5 2012 Ban on Same Sex Unions Added to Va Constitution by Chris L Jenkins The Washington Post November 8 2006 Marriage Measure Is an Amendment Too Far by David Boaz Cato Institute November 3 2006 property rights permanent dead link text of va ballot question no 1 Archived July 3 2009 at the Wayback Machine a b Same sex marriage ballot measures Hawaii gives legislature power to ban same sex marriage AllPolitics CNN com November 3 1998 Accessed November 30 2006 General Election 1998 Hawaii Office of Elections November 3 1998 retrieved July 6 2010 Hawai i State Constitution Archived August 19 2012 at the Wayback Machine Article I section 23 Hawaii Legislative Reference Bureau Accessed November 30 2006 This amendment does not ban same sex marriage rather it grants the power to do so to the state a b Homosexual same sex marriages in Alaska Robinson B A ReligiousTolerance org Accessed November 30 2006 Alaska State Constitution Archived July 9 2009 at the Wayback Machine Hosted on the Alaska Legislature s website Accessed November 30 2006 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n CNN com Election 2004 Ballot Measures Accessed November 30 2006 DOMAwatch org Mississippi Archived March 10 2005 at the Wayback Machine Alliance Defense Fund 2006 Accessed December 14 2006 Gay Marriage Ban in Mo May Resonate Nationwide Cooperman Alan Washington Post August 5 2004 Accessed December 14 2006 Missouri s Amendment was the first such referendum voted on since same sex marriage was legalized in Massachusetts Elections 2004 Ballot Measures Missouri Secretary of State Article I Bill of Rights Section 33 Archived September 25 2006 at the Wayback Machine Missouri Constitution Missouri General Assembly Accessed December 14 2006 The Montana Constitution Archived March 3 2016 at the Wayback Machine Hosted on the Montana Legislature s website Accessed November 30 2006 Oregon Voters Pamphlet Measure 36 page 77 Oregon Secretary of State 2004 Accessed December 14 2006 The Constitution of the State of Oregon Archived February 5 2007 at the Wayback Machine Article XV Miscellaneous Section 5a Hosted on the Oregon Legislature s website Accessed December 14 2006 a b c d e f g h i j CNN com Election 2006 Ballot Measures Accessed December 14 2006 a b Analysis of the 2006 Ballot Proposals Research Publication No 554 Legislative Council of the Colorado General Assembly p 13 Accessed December 14 2006 a b Constitutional Amendment Issues Tennessee Secretary of State No date author given Accessed December 14 2006 a b c CNN com Election 2008 Ballot Measures Accessed November 10 2008 a b 2008 Ballot Proposition Guide Archived November 8 2008 at the Wayback Machine Arizona Secretary of State Jan Brewer September 2008 Accessed November 11 2008 a b Text of Proposed Laws California Secretary of State p 128 Accessed November 10 2008 a b Statewide General Election 2000 Results Constitutional Amendments and Initiative Measures Archived June 9 2011 at the Wayback Machine Nebraska Secretary of State p 21 22 Accessed December 17 2006 Nebraska State Constitution permanent dead link Article I section 29 Nebraska Legislative Documents Legislature Accessed December 15 2006 Arkansas Initiatives amp Amendments 1938 2004 permanent dead link p 20 Arkansas Secretary of State Accessed December 18 2006 Arkansas State Constitution 83rd Amendment Arkansas Legislature Accessed December 18 2006 Official Results of the November 2 2004 General Election Archived December 13 2006 at the Wayback Machine Georgia Secretary of State Accessed December 18 2006 Constitution of the State of Georgia Archived January 12 2007 at the Wayback Machine Article I section IV Georgia Secretary of State Accessed December 18 2006 2004 Election Night Tally Results Archived March 4 2009 at the Wayback Machine Kentucky State Board of Elections Accessed December 18 2006 Kentucky Constitution Section 233A Archived March 9 2007 at the Wayback Machine Kentucky Legislature Accessed December 18 2006 Results for Election Date 9 18 04 Archived February 3 2006 at the Wayback Machine Louisiana Secretary of State Accessed December 19 2006 Louisiana Constitution Article 12 section 15 Louisiana State Senate Accessed December 19 2006 Election Results 2004 General Election Archived February 13 2008 at the Wayback Machine North Dakota Secretary of State Election Management System Accessed December 20 2006 North Dakota Constitution Archived January 4 2007 at the Wayback Machine Article XI section 28 Accessed December 20 2006 Official Ballot Language Archived June 22 2006 at the Wayback Machine Ohio Secretary of State Accessed December 21 2006 Ohio Constitution Archived December 23 2014 at the Wayback Machine Article XV section 11 Accessed December 21 2006 General Election November 2 2004 Summary Results Archived April 2 2007 at the Wayback Machine Oklahoma State Election Board Accessed December 22 2006 Oklahoma Constitution Archived March 10 2005 at the Wayback Machine Article II section 35 at domawatch org Accessed December 22 2006 Utah 2004 canvass amendments Archived September 23 2006 at the Wayback Machine 2004 General Election Results State of Utah Elections Office Accessed December 15 2006 Utah State Constitution Archived January 6 2007 at the Wayback Machine Article I section 29 Utah Legislature Accessed December 15 2006 Election Statistics Kansas Secretary of State Accessed December 22 2006 Gay marriage ban in public s hands Archived May 23 2006 at the Wayback Machine by Scott Rothschild Lawrence Journal World February 3 2005 Accessed December 22 2006 Kansas Constitution Archived October 11 2006 at the Wayback Machine Article XV section 16 Accessed December 22 2006 a b 2005 Constitutional Amendment Election Archived January 2 2015 at the Wayback Machine Texas Secretary of State Elections Division Accessed December 22 2006 Texas Constitution Archived April 22 2009 at the Wayback Machine Article I section 32 Accessed December 22 2006 DOMAwatch org Alabama Archived March 8 2005 at the Wayback Machine Alliance Defense Fund 2006 Accessed January 6 2007 a b AMENDMENT 774 RATIFIED Alabama State Legislature Accessed January 6 2006 Article III Section 28 Archived September 23 2006 at the Wayback Machine Idaho Constitution Idaho State Legislature Accessed January 6 2007 a b p 24 No 54 edition of the Journal of the Senate of the State of South Carolina Archived October 3 2008 at the Wayback Machine State of South Carolina April 2005 Accessed January 6 2007 House Joint Resolution 1001 South Dakota Legislature 2005 Accessed January 6 2007 DOMAwatch org Wisconsin Archived March 10 2005 at the Wayback Machine Alliance Defense Fund 2006 Accessed January 6 2007 a b Initiative Information Florida Marriage Protection Amendment Florida Department of State Division of Elections Accessed November 11 2008 Waggoner Martha May 8 2012 NC approves amendment on gay marriage Associated Press Retrieved May 8 2012 Session Law 2011 409 Senate Bill 514 PDF North Carolina General Assembly 2011 Retrieved May 8 2012 2004 General Election Results Archived February 22 2007 at the Wayback Machine Michigan Department of State Accessed December 19 2006 Michigan State Constitution Article I section 25 Michigan Legislature Accessed December 19 2006 Opinion of the Supreme Court of Michigan Archived February 22 2012 at the Wayback Machine Michigan Supreme Court Accessed May 10 2009 a b Official Results 2006 election Archived February 2 2007 at the Wayback Machine Virginia State Board of Elections Accessed December 30 2006 Proposed Constitutional Amendment Article I Section 15 A Archived December 14 2006 at the Wayback Machine from November 2006 Proposed Amendments Virginia State Board of Elections Archived January 5 2011 at the Wayback Machine Accessed December 30 2006 Silver State Election Results The Constitution of the State of Nevada Hosted on the Nevada Legislature s website Accessed November 30 2006 Assembly Joint Resolution No 2 Prior to Obergefell Alabama and Kansas had one or more court ruling invalidating the state s same sex marriage bans but were not fully complying with the rulings Sullivan Patricia July 29 2016 Virginia still has laws banning gay marriage Should that matter Washington Post Retrieved July 30 2016 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title U S state constitutional amendments banning same sex unions amp oldid 1132476161, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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