Del., NJ, Ill. next gay marriage battlegrounds
Apr 25, 2013, 8:34 PM
(AP) – Rhode Island is set to become the 10th state to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry following a key vote in the state’s General Assembly this week. Gay marriage supporters are shifting their focus to other states, including:
___
_Delaware. The state’s House approved a bill Tuesday legalizing same-sex marriage on a 23-18 vote. The bill now moves to the Senate. It has the support of Democratic Gov. Jack Markell. Delaware approved same-sex civil unions last year.
_New Jersey. The Democratic-led legislature is expected to attempt to override Republican Gov. Chris Christie’s veto of gay marriage legislation a year ago. But there aren’t enough Democrats to guarantee an override, and Christie has suggested putting the question before voters.
_Oregon. Gay marriage advocates hope to place a proposed constitutional amendment on the 2014 ballot that would reverse a ban on gay marriage passed by voters in 2004. The effort has the support of Gov. John Kitzhaber.
_Minnesota. Hundreds of gay marriage supporters gathered at the state Capitol this month to urge lawmakers to vote for gay marriage. Legislation has cleared committees in both the House and Senate.
_Illinois. The state’s Senate approved gay marriage legislation on Valentine’s Day. Supporters in the House say they’re still a few votes short but hope a vote is held before the General Assembly adjourns this spring. Gov. Pat Quinn supports the bill.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
