Nixon Wants Missourians To Vote Again On Same-Sex Marriage

[Sherman A1]

Gov. Jay Nixon says he hopes Missourians get another chance to vote on same-sex marriage.

The Democrat made that comment Thursday in response to a reporter's question during the annual Missouri Press Association/Associated Press Day at the Capitol. The governor said that he's in favor of repealing the 2004 constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

"We shouldn't treat folks differently just because of who they are or who they love," Nixon said. "If folks want to get married, they should be able to get married, but to change that law will necessitate and require the people of Missouri to speak, and I hope they get the opportunity to do that."

No legislation is currently filed that would seek to undo Missouri's ban on same-sex marriage. There is, in contrast, a proposed constitutional amendment to refuse to recognize same-sex marriage and civil unions if that recognition is dictated by the federal government. It's part of a larger resolution, SJR 38, sponsored by state Sen. Brian Nieves, R-Washington, Mo.

http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/nixon-wants-missourians-vote-again-same-sex-marriage