1 Republican joins Democrats in Nevada Assembly’s passage of marriage equality measure

CARSON CITY — A constitutional amendment that would change Nevada law to recognize all marriages, regardless of gender, won approval Thursday in the Assembly.

The vote was 27-14, with all Democrats and one Republican, Lisa Krasner of Reno, in support. One Democrat was absent.

Assembly Joint Resolution 2 now goes to the Senate, where passage is expected, but it will take several years before such a change could be reflected in Nevada’s constitution.

AJR2 would have to pass this legislative session and in the 2019 session, then go to voters in 2020 before the definition of marriage being between a man and a woman could be changed.

Assembly Assistant Majority Floor Leader Nelson Araujo, D-Las Vegas, has proposed the measure to reflect and protect the current law in the United States.

The U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage across the country in June 2015, but there are concerns about the future legality of gay marriage in the U.S. because of a pending Supreme Court nomination by President Donald Trump.

In remarks on the floor, Araujo said same-sex couples who have married since the ruling would see their vows remain valid and protected with the change to the constitution.

“It’s time for Nevada’s constitution to recognize all marriages, regardless of gender,” he said.

Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui, D-Las Vegas, said the change would reflect what the majority of Nevadans already recognize.

“I can’t think of any better way to honor Nevada’s culture of freedom and personal liberty than by protecting Nevadans of all backgrounds from discrimination,” she said.

OPPOSING VOICES

Assembly Minority Floor Leader Paul Anderson, R-Las Vegas, spoke in opposition while stating that he does not believe in discrimination or denying a person’s rights.

While respecting both sides of the argument, Anderson said the efforts of those who gathered signatures to place the current constitutional definition of marriage on the ballot in 2002 deserve recognition as well.

If there are individuals who want a new vote on the issue, they should go through the initiative petition process as well, he said.

Assemblyman Chris Edwards, R-Las Vegas, also spoke in opposition, saying he believes the minority in the 5-4 Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage has the more credible position. But the issue should be left to the states, and Nevada voters have already weighed in on the issue, he said.

Krasner said that, as a law school graduate, she looks to the Supreme Court ruling on the issue for guidance. The court found in the case that the U.S. Constitution provides for equal protection under the law for everyone, and so she voted for Assembly Joint Resolution 2.

The Assembly also passed Araujo’s Assembly Bill 99 on a party-line vote. The measure would require agencies that care for children to treat them according to the gender they identify with. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Contact Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-461-3820. Follow @seanw801 on Twitter.