In split vote, Nevada Senate passes measure to begin repeal of gay marriage ban

[brooklynite]

Source: Las Vegas Sun

Following more than an hour of riveting and personal floor speeches — during which one state senator publicly announced for the first time he is gay — the Nevada Senate voted 12-9 to begin the process of repealing the gay marriage ban from the state constitution.

Only one Republican, Sen. Ben Kieckhefer, joined with Democrats to vote in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 13, which would repeal the ban on gay marriage and replace it with a requirement that the state recognize all marriages regardless of gender.

The late night vote came after more than an hour of emotional floor debate, during which opponents of the measure decried efforts to label them as "insensitive and unenlightened," and supporters argued marriage equality should be extended to all regardless of gender.

In a particularly emotional moment, Sen. Kelvin Atkinson, D-North Las Vegas, publicly declared for the first time that he is gay. "I’m black. I'm gay," Atkinson said in a trembling voice after describing his father's interracial re-marriage that would have been banned earlier in American history. "I know this is the first time many of you have heard me say that I am a black, gay male."

Read more: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/apr/22/split-vote-nevada-senate-passes-measure-begin-repe/

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I'm seeing a solid wall develop on the East and West coasts. The South better start circling the wagons...

[alp227]

1. Kleckhefer is from Reno, being from a major city probably influenced his POV n/t

[enlightenment]

2. This will pass the Assembly, too.

It's dem controlled. Governor can't do squat all to stop it, though he may make noises to appease his base - depending on how his reelection bid is progressing.

According to the state Constitution, it will have to be voted through the legislature again (two regular sessions, which in Nevada are biennial) and then it will go on the ballot in 2016.

The bill was sponsored by "Tick" (Richard) Segerblom - the man is a gem.

[eggplant]

3. The wedding trade is big business in vegas and reno. Legalization means more tourist $$$. n/t