Lawmakers seek constitutional ban on gay marriages

Two local state representatives are leading an unprecedented effort to include a heterosexual definition of marriage in the state's constitution.

On Friday, Speaker Pro Tem Jason Crowell and House Majority Leader Rod Jetton, both Republicans, made stops throughout Southeast Missouri announcing plans that would put the gay marriage debate to voters in November.

Currently, a Missouri statute defines a marriage as a union between a man and a woman. But the Massachusetts state Supreme Court ruled last month that a ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional.

By making the definition clear in the "Marriage Protection Amendment" as part of the state's constitution, Missouri voters in November could prevent such a high court ruling at the state level.

"Too many judges, I think, are legislating from the bench," Jetton said.

Jetton and Crowell said they were not aware of any state that has a definition of marriage as part of its constitution.

Denise Eaker, the founder of a community center in Cape Girardeau for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and the transgendered, said she is not surprised at the move.

"They're trying to legislate fear and hate," she said. "I want to marry the woman I love and I can't do it." Eaker said she can't understand why two people who love each other and are committed to each other can't enjoy the same benefits and recognition that heterosexual couples do.

The language in the proposed amendment also says that Missouri would not recognize a gay marriage even if the marriage was legally performed and accepted in another state.

However, if the matter were challenged all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, that court would have the final say regardless of what Missouri voters decide.

To get the issue on the ballot, the proposed amendment must pass with a simple majority in both the state Senate and House of Representatives.

Jetton and Crowell said they believe there is enough support in both chambers to put the item on November's ballot. Crowell said the legislature would not need the governor's approval.

The proposed amendment states, "Marriage in this state shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman, and no license to marry shall issue except to a man and a woman. Marriage between persons of the same sex, and full faith and credit of such marital status entered into in another state, shall not be recognized as marriage."

Jetton said this effort is an attempt to block what he sees as a national gay movement.

Homosexuals "are not satisfied to live their lives," Jetton said. "They want to push it on all of us through television and movies that say you could be or should be homosexual."

Jetton was also critical of the national media and the "education establishment" for promoting a homosexual lifestyle.

Crowell and Jetton made their appearance in the Cape Girardeau County administrative building Friday morning, just outside the recorder of deeds office, the office where residents can file for a marriage license.

Two area pastors attended the media conference in Jackson to support the measure.

Staff writer Scott Moyers contributed to this report.

bmiller@semissourian.com

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