Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Alaska.
Marriage Law1998: Anti-Marriage Constitutional Amendment Ratified. Senate Joint Resolution 42: Having already passed an anti-marriage bill in 1996, voters nevertheless ratified an
amendment incorporating anti-gay, anti-marriage discrimination directly into the state constitution. This latest anti-marriage
measure was a response to a Feb. 27, 1998 preliminary ruling by a state court judge, who in Brause v. Alaska found:
(1) that marriage is a fundamental right,
(2) that denial of civil marriage licenses to same-sex couples is discrimination based on sex, and
(3) therefore the government must show a compelling reason for withholding a civil marriage license from a gay couple. The
constitutional amendment bans marriage for same-sex couples and purports to invalidate such lawful marriages validly performed
in other states.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted House Bill 227:Introduced by Rep. Norman Rokeberg (R) on March 3, 1995. The bill would restrict marriage to "between a
man and woman" Passed the House February 28, 1996.
Senate Bill 30:Introduced by Rep. Lyda Green (R) March 14, 1996. Restricts marriage to opposite-sex couples, and provides that a same-sex couple's marriage lawfully contracted elsewhere will be "void in this state, and contractual rights granted by virtue
of the marriage, including its termination, are unenforceable in this state." Passed the Health, Education & Social Services
Committee on March 20. Passed the Senate and House, allowed by Governor Tony Knowles (D) to become law without
signature.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Alabama.
Marriage Law1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. Senate Bill 171: Anti-marriage bill introduced for third consecutive year.
House Bill 152: Similar anti-marriage measure restricting marriage to different-sex couples only, and declaring void the lawful
marriages of same-sex couples. Passed the House and Senate with no discussion, signed by Gov. Fob James (R).
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Bill 282: Senator Roger Bedford (D) intoduced anti-marriage bill that, like the one that failed in 1996, bans marriage
licenses for same-sex couples, denies recognition to lawful marriages from other states, and punishes by at least $1000 any
person who performs or "solemnizes" a same-sex couple's wedding. After first-ever testimony by openly gay people before
legislature, bill fails to advance. Barring special session, it and other such legislation is dead for the year.
Senate Bill 1: Likewise bars same-sex couples from marrying and denies legal recognition to their lawful marriages.
House Bill 482: Similar to Senate Bill 1. Passed committee.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 142: Declares that "marriage between persons of the same sex shall not be deemed legitimate and shall be
declared void." Reported from Judiciary Committee Feb. 13. Placed on special calendar but failed to advance.
Senate Bill 396: Introduced by Senator Armistead (R). Prohibits marriages between persons of the same sex in Alabama,
prohibits legal recognition of lawful marriages celebrated elsewhere, and fines officials who celebrate a marriage for a same-sex
couple $1000. Referred to Judiciary.
Executive Order: Despite decision of legislature not to enact discriminatory legislation, Governor Fob James issues an
executive order in August, purporting to declare by fiat that gay people may not get married in Alabama, and that the state will not
recognize any lawful marriages of same-sex couples.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Arkansas.
Marriage Law1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. Senate Bill 5: Anti-marriage bills passed Senate (1/27) and House (1/22). Signed by Governor Huckabee (R) on February 13.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partner benefits to employees:
Tucson (Pima County): April 28, 1997. Same-sex Couples Only.
Pima County: March 1998. LaWall v. Pima County: Lambda successfully represented county employees seeking to
intervene against a suit filed by the county attorney challenging the provision of health insurance to the domestic partners of
county employees.
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted.
House Bill 106: Introduced by Rep. Jeff Groscost (R). Would specify that marriage between people of the same sex is "illegal,"
and would refuse to recognize lawful marriages performed in other states. Initially blocked by substitution of general "family values"
language in place of anti-marriage provision, but revived through manipulation of the rules and passed through House. Passed by
Senate as Senate Bill 1038. Signed by Governor Symington (R) on May 5, 1996.
Domestic Partnership
California offers a Domestic Partner Registry Registry (October 2, 1999)
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: Alameda County Bay Area Air Quality Management District Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Berkeley (Alameda): April 1985 Registry: October 1991
Berkeley Unified School District: 1986 Davis* (Yolo) *Registry Only
Laguna Beach (Orange): June 1990 Registry: June 1990
Long Beach* (Los Angeles) *Registry Only: October 1991
Los Angeles (Los Angeles): October 1988 Registry
Los Angeles County: December 19, 1995 Registry: March 23, 1999
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Los Angeles Unified School District Marin County-
Registry
Oakland (Alameda): June 1996 Registry: June 1996
Palo Alto (Santa Clara): 1997. Registry: December 1995
Sacramento (Sacramento): 1995 Registry: October 1992
Sacramento Para Transit San Diego (San Diego): June 1994. [Employees must purchase the health insurance themselves, but this is a valuable option
because it offers better coverage at less expense.] San Francisco (San Francisco): July 1991. In Litigation. Air Transport Association v. San Francisco: Lambda, with the
ACLU and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, is helping fight the airline industry's challenge to San Francisco's ordinance
requiring contractors to provide their employees with domestic partner benefits like those accorded spouses. This ordinance has
resulted, for the first time, in companies offering domestic partner benefits in industries such as the oil business and professional
sports. Registry: November 1990
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce San Francisco County: July 1991 San Jose School District San Mateo County: 1992 Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara): 1998 -
Registry
[Santa Clara County]:1996. REPEALED. Law never took effect and was repealed February 24, 1998 under threat of divisive
ballot initiative challenge. Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz): May 1986 Santa Cruz County: May 1986 Santa Cruz Metro Transit System: 1985 West Hollywood (Los Angeles): February 1985 Registry: February 1985
Marriage LawBallot Initiative - March 2000 -- Adopted
Having failed five times in the past three years to persuade the legislature to adopt a
discriminatory anti-marriage bill, Republican state senator Pete Knight, with the assistance of
Focus on the Family, Traditional Values Coalition, and other right-wing groups placed on the
March 2000 ballot an anti-gay, anti-marriage measure officially entitled the "Limit On Marriage
Initiative," and generally known as the Knight Initiative. It passed on March 7, and selectively
amended California law to require the state to discriminate against gay people's lawful
marriages while nevertheless recognizing all other out-of-state marriages. Younger voters
overwhelmingly rejected the Knight Initiative, and, far from ending the ongoing discussion
around gay people and marriage, as the right-wing hoped, public debate, visibility, and
support for our freedom to marry continue to grow -- with a concomitant sense ofi nevitability.
1999: Ballot Initiative - March 2000!
Having failed five times in the past three years to persuade the legislature to adopt a discriminatory anti-marriage bill, Republican
state senator Pete Knight, with the assistance of Focus on the Family, Traditional Values Coalition, and other right-wing groups
has placed on the March 2000 ballot an anti-marriage initiative. The measure would selectively amend California law to require the
state to discriminate against gay people's lawful marriages, while nevertheless recognizing all other out-of-state marriages
Resources Concerning California's Anti-Marriage Measure.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked!
Assembly Bill 800: Introduced by Assemblymember Margett (R). Defeated in Judiciary Committee.
Senate Bill 911: Introduced by Senator Pete Knight (R), leading proponent of the three anti-marriage bills Californians were
forced to grapple with in 1996. Defeated in committee.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked!
Assembly Bill 1982: Introduced by Assembly Member Pete Knight (R) on September 15, 1995. The bill was amended on
January 12, 1996 and stipulates that only a man and a woman may be allowed to obtain a license and authorization for marriage in
the state of California. The bill further provides that the state of California will not recognize same-sex couples' marriages even if
lawfully performed in other states. Passed the Assembly on a largely partisan vote. Amended in the Senate Judiciary Committee
on July 9 to include "domestic partnership provision," passed in amended form through Appropriations Committee. Full Senate
rejects attempt to strip amendments on 20-21 vote (with Lt. Gov. casting vote). Bill dies. Assembly Bill 3227: Introduced by Assembly Member Pete Knight (R) on February 23, 1996. Spells out more explicitly the
discriminatory bases of non-recognition of same-sex couples' lawful marriages. Died in Assembly in June. Senate Bill 2075: Following the Senate Judiciary Committee's amendment of AB1982, Rep. Haynes gutted this bill, which
orginally related to fines and forfeitures, to transform it into the third anti-marriage bill. Passed by Assembly, goes to Senate,
where It dies.
Marriage LawAdopted
A right-wing group has filed a measure with the state to begin collecting signatures for an
anti-marriage ballot initiative, much like the discriminatory anti-gay measure struck down by
the U.S. Supreme Court in 1996. The legislature rejected a similar measure last year. SB45: Yet again, Senator Marilyn Musgrave (R) introduced her anti-marriage bill, rejected by
the legislature last year (and vetoed twice previously by the governor before that). Passed
the Senate. Meanwhile a similar measure has passed in the House, to be signed by the Gov.
Bill Owens (R).
1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Bill 159: For the fourth consecutive year, Senator Marilyn Musgrave (R) has introduced an anti-marriage bill. In two
previous years, these discriminatory measures were vetoed by former Governor Romer, and in one year, it didn't advance.
Passed Judiciary Committee, 5-3, at the same as another committee rejected SB 78, a bill that would have provided even small
recognition of same-sex couples for purposes of inheritance. Passed by the Senate on Feb. 17, but rejected in the House
Judiciary Committee and dead for this year.
1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 1248: For the third consecutive year, Rep. Marily Musgrave (R) has introduced an anti-marriage bill aimed at
discriminating against same-sex couples' marriages whether celebrated in Colorado or out of state. The bill failed to advance and
was withdrawn.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 1198: Introduced by Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R), who proposed the same bill the year before. Declares lawful
marriages between people of the same sex "absolutely void." Passed House. Amended in Senate Judiciary Committee to
require non-recognition of same-sex couples' lawful marriages, while deleting declaration that such marriages were against the
state's public policy. Passed Senate and House with amendments. On June 5, Governor Roy Romer (D) vetoed the
anti-marriage bill, just as he did the year before.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 1291: Introduced by Rep. Musgrave (R) on January 31, 1996. Passed the House by one vote. Voted out by the
Senate March 11. Vetoed as "divisive" and mean-spirited by Governor Roy Romer (D) on March 25.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partner benefits to employees: Hartford (Hartford): 1993. Registry: June 1993. Symbolic only, provides no legal or financial benefits.
Marriage Law1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked!
In early June, right-wing legislators at the last minute proposed an anti-marriage amendment to a pending bill that would have
provided for second-parent adoptions to offer protections to the children raised by gay and other parents. With no debate, the
full House passed the measure as amended, thus sending to the Senate an undebated, unexamined bill that would discriminate
in marriage and attack lawful out-of-state marriages. The amendment was intended, in part, to scuttle the underlying
family-protection bill, and the Senate thus failed to proceed on the bill, killing the anti-marriage amendment as well.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Bill 535: Introduced by Senator Neilson. Would restict marriage to only different-sex couples. Referred to Judiciary
Committee. Failed to advance.
Domestic Partnership
The District of Columbia offers domestic partnership benefits to employees.
However, the plan has not yet been implemented as each year since the D.C. Council passed the domestic partnership law
(1992), Congress has attached amendments to the city's budget laws barring the city from using federal and D.C. funds for its
implementation. Activists have devised a method to register, involving sending paperwork to the city government via registered
mail and using the receipt as proof of registration. Registry: April 1992
Marriage Law
There has been no marriage legislation introduced in the District of Columbia.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Delaware.
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 503: Introduced on April 4 by Rep. Gerald Buckworth (R). Passed House and Senate, signed into law by Gov. Thomas Carper.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partner benefits to employees: Broward County: January 1, 2000 Miami Beach (Dade): July 1998. Non-health Benefits. Key West (Monroe): February 12, 1998 Monroe County: February 11, 1998 West Palm Beach (Palm Beach): February 1992
Marriage Law1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 147: Introduced by Rep. Johnny Byrd. Would restrict marriage to different-sex couples only, and deny recognition
to lawful marriages of same-sex couples under all circumstances. Passed in stacked Governmental Operations Committee, and
then passed the full House on March 25. On May 29, Gov. Lawton Chiles chose not to veto the bill, allowing it to become law
without his signature. Senate Bill 272: Introduced by Sen. John Grant (R). Passed Judiciary Committee March 12; passed Senate.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 2369: Bill introduced by Rep. Buddy Johnson (R). Assigned to House Judiciary Committee on March 6. Bill
withdrawn on March 12. Legislature adjourned without action on bill.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partner benefits to employees: Atlanta (Fulton): August 1996. Atlanta passed a second benefits ordinance in August 1996, to which a challenge was filed
by an Atlanta resident. In City of Atlanta v. Morgan, Lambda and a host of Georgia civil rights groups successfully helped defend
the ordinance against local religious extremists. Atlanta's first benefits ordinance was passed in August 1993. It was
subsequently invalidated when the Georgia Supreme Court ruled in March 1995 that the City of Atlanta exceeded its authority in
extending employee benefits to domestic partners of state employees. Atlanta et al. v. McKinney et al., 454 S.E.2d 517 (Ga.
1995). Registry: June 1993. Atlanta's right to establish a domestic partnership registry was upheld by the Georgia Supreme
Court in March 1995. Atlanta et al. v. McKinney et al., 454 S.E.2d 517 (Ga. 1995).
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 1580: Introduced by Rep. Crews (R). Would insert an explicit limitation of marriage as only "between a man and a
woman." Passed the House. On February 27, passed by Senate Special Judiciary Committee, 4-2.
Senate Bill 681: Introduced by Senators Gochenour, Perdue, and Edge (R). Declares it the "public policy of this state to
recognize the union only of man and woman. No same-sex marriage shall be recognized as entitled to the benefits of marriage."
Further prohibits marriages between persons of the same sex, declare out-of-state marriages "null and void", and says that "any
contractual rights granted by virtue of such license, including its termination [!], shall be unenforceable in the courts of this state."
Senate Judiciary committee approved, 4-2. Passed Senate. Signed into law by Governor Zell Miller (D).
Domestic Partnership
The State of Hawai'i offers domestic partnership benefits to employees. Reciprocal Beneficiaries Law: July 1, 1997.
Marriage Law1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Bill 321: Introduced by Senator Les Ihara, this seems to be a place-holder for a possible restriction on marriage
following the constitutional amendment. Failed to advance before the internal legislative deadlines.
House Bill 775: Introduced by Judiciary Committee chair Paul Oshiro, this bill would deny same-sex couples the freedom to
marry that the equal protection guarantees of the Hawaii constitution seemed to mandate. Failed to advance before the internal
legislative deadlines. House Bill 717: Introduced by Rep. Kenny Goodenow, this bill would remove the government from the "marriage business,"
allowing different-sex and same-sex couples to contract "registered partnerships" under law, while reserving "marriage" for
religious or personal use. Failed to advance before the internal legislative deadlines.
1998: Constitutional Amendment Ratified. House Bill 117: On November 3, 1998, the voters ratified a constitutional amendment that permits (although it does not
require) the legislature to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples. The legislature may act in 1999. In sending the amendment
proposal, the legislature coupled it with House Bill 118, legislation according same-sex couples (and other "reciprocal
beneficiaries") the broadest package of rights and benefits ever accorded gay families in the U.S. That law took effect in July
1997. It is unclear what impact, if any, all of this will have on Baehr v. Anderson (formerly Baehr v. Miike, the landmark freedom
to marry case, now pending before the Hawaii Supreme Court.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Pending. House Bill 117: On April 29, both houses of the legislature voted for language of a proposed constitutional amendment
which, if approved by the voters would permit (although not require) the legislature to restrict marriage to opposite-sex couples.
The proposed amendment now will go to the voters in November 1998. Even if approved, it would be 1999 before a
discriminatory restriction on marriage could become law. The amendment proposal was coupled with House Bill 118, legislation
according same-sex couples (and other "reciprocal beneficiaries") the broadest package of rights and benefits ever accorded
gay families in the U.S. That law took effect in July 1997. It is unclear what, if any, impact all of this will have on Baehr v. Miike, the
landmark freedom to marry case, now pending before the Hawai'i Supreme Court.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 2366: On March 1, House Speaker Joe Souki (D) prompts suspension of rules to consider constitutional
amendment that would provide that "Marriage shall be defined in the State of Hawaii as the legal association reserved exclusively
for the lawful union of a man and a woman." Measure passed House; blocked in Senate Judiciary Committee until April 26, when
withdrawn and defeated on floor of Senate, 15 - 10. The legislature adjourned without advancing legislation against equal
marriage rights for gay people.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities Offering Domestic Partnership Benefits to Employees: Iowa City (Johnson): August 1994. HUD assistance offered as of July 1, 1998
Registry: November 1994
Marriage Law1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Resolution 382:For the third consecutive year, House Republicans sponsored an anti-marriage bill that would
discriminate against the lawful marriages of same-sex couples. Approved by the House in March, and by the Senate on March
26, with an amendment creating a task force on "domestic partnership." Signed by Gov. Terry Branstad (R). Senate Bill 2187: Senate 2187 Companion bill introduced by Judiciary Committee chair Andy McKean(R) and Larry
McKibben(R).
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Study Bill 114: Introduced by Gov. Terry Branstad (R). Failed to proceed. House Study Bill 37: Introduced by Governor. Same. Passed by Judiciary Committee, but failed to proceed prior to
deadline.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 2183: Introduced February 9, 1996 by Reps. Hurley and Grubbs (R). States that "[o]nly a marriage between a male
and a female" is valid. Passed House Feb. 20 without public hearings. Failed in Senate Judiciary Committee March 21.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Idaho.
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 658: Introduced by several House Members on January 12, 1996. Amends Section 32-209 of the Idaho Code to
read, "All Marriages contracted without this state, which would be valid by the laws of the state or country in which the same were
contracted, are valid in this state, unless they violate the public policy of this state. Marriages that violate the public policy of this
state include, but are not limited to, same-sex marriages, and marriages entered into under the laws of another state or country
with the intent to evade the prohibitions of marriage laws of this state." Passed the House and Senate; signed into law by
Governor Phil Batt (R).
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partner benefits to employees: Chicago (Cook): March 1997. In Litigation. Crawford v. City of Chicago: Lambda helped Chicago fight off an attempt to
block a new city ordinance allowing health and other employment benefits for the domestic partners of municipal workers.
Anti-gay ministers continue to challenge the plan now in effect. Same-sex Couples Only. Cook County Oak Park (Cook): April 1994 Registry: September 2, 1997. On March 17, 1998 symbolic vote reaffirms registry after ballot initiative challenge.
Same-sex Couples Only.
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. Senate Bill 1773: Introduced by Sen. Peter Fitzgerald (R) on February 9, 1996. Prohibits marriages "between two individuals
of the same sex" and declares such lawful marriages to be "against public policy." Passed by Senate Judiciary Committee March
6, 1996. Passed Senate on March 29, 1996, passed the House on April 25, vetoed by Governor Edgar (R) on May 24, who
simultaneously signed Senate Bill 1140, an identical measure containing an immediate effective date.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partner benefits to employees: Bloomington (Monroe): March 1997
Marriage Law1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 1019: Introduced by Rep. Woody Burton (R). Blocked in Families, Children & Human Affairs Committee. No further
action. . Similar language has now been proposed by Rep. Burton as an amendment to an unrelated bill on welfare. The
amendment adds a non-recognition provision to the current restriction on marriage to different-sex couples. After further
manipulations of the rules, Rep. Burton succeeded in getting similar language voted out in another gutted bill. Gov. Frank
O'Bannon signed the measure into law on May 13. Senate Bill 211: Anti-marriage bill passed by Judiciary Committee. Failed to proceed.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Kansas.
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Amendment to Senate Bill 515: Amends marriage statute to say that marriage is a "civil contract between two
parties who are of opposite sex. All other marriages are declared to be contrary to the public policy of this state and void." Passed
House March 21 without hearings. After procedural manuevering by sponsors to circumvent a House-Senate conference
committee, the bill passed in the Senate without hearings. Signed by Governor Graves (R).
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Kansas.
Marriage Law1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 11: Prefiled bill would prohibit same-sex couples from marrying in Kentucky and discriminate against lawful
marriages from out of state. House Bill 13:Sponsored by Sheldon Baugh (R), this is a similar bill with the same discriminatory restrictions and exclusions as
well as language about "public policy." House Judiciary Committee amended the bill to include HB11 and then approved it, as
did the full House on March 11. Passed by the Senate on March 26 and signed into law by Gov. Paul Patton (D).
1997: No Regular Session.
Anti-marriage bills rejected in 1996 again "pre-filed," although unless an irregular special session of the legislature is called, there
will be no action until 1998.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 500: Proposed by Rep. Sheldon Baugh (R), to provide that "a marriage between members of the same sex which
occurs in another jurisdiction shall be void in Kentucky," as shall such marriages in Kentucky. Similar language is also pending in
a second House measure introduced by Rep. Kathy Hogancamp (R) (Floor Amendment 1 to H.B. 219). Legislature adjourned
without further action, thus killing the bill. House Bill 882: Assigned to Judiciary Committee. No further details. Senate Bill 339: Assigned to Senate Judiciary Committee. No further details.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities Offering Domestic Partnership Benefits to Employees: New Orleans (Orleans): Same-sex Only Registry: July 16, 1993
Marriage Law1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. Senate Bill 1450: Anti-marriage measure is introduced, sponsored by Rep. Fontenot. Passed House and Senate with no
debate, signed into law by governor.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Bill 37: Introduced by Sen. Phil Short (R) to amend the state constitution so as to outlaw marriage between persons of
the same-sex. Failed twice to get the requisite two-thirds vote for passage, and ultimately withdrawn on June 20.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked!
Senate Resolution 27: Attempting to circumvent the rule limiting the 1996 legislative session to fiscal issues only, a resolution
was proposed to support the federal anti-marriage bill (DOMA). The bill passed the Senate on May 29, passed the House in
amended form on June 11, and then failed in the Senate as amended.
Domestic Partnership
Massachusetts offers Domestic Partnership Benefits to Employees.
1992.
Registry (September 1992) Governor's Executive Order allows state workers to register for purposes of bereavement
leave and visitation rights in state prisons and hospitals.
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: Boston (Suffolk): August 4, 1998. Executive Order by Mayor Thomas Menino. Registry: December 1993
Brewster (Barnstable) Brookline (Norfolk): 1993. Non-health Benefits Registry: June 1993
Cambridge (Middlesex): September 1992 Registry: September 1992
Nantucket (Nantucket)
Registry
[Northampton (Hampshire)]: May 1995. REPEALED. This measure, approved by the City Council in May 1995, was then
repealed by voter referendum in November of 1995. [Registry]: REPEALED.
Provincetown (Barnstable): 1993. Registry: 1993. Not limited to Provincetown residents.
Springfield (Hampden): April 1997
Marriage Law2000: House Bill 472: Sponsored by Rep. Rogers in 1999 and carried over. Bill was referred to
"study," although it could be reactivated this year.
1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Pending. House Bill 472: Sponsored by Rep. Rogers. Judiciary Committee hearing on May 18. Bill referred to "study,"
although it could be reactivated.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: Baltimore (Baltimore): January 1995. Same-sex Couples Only. Takoma Park (Montgomery): November 1988
Marriage Law2000: HB 919: A bill to eliminate sex discrimination in marriage is introduced, allowing "two
consenting adults" to marry rather than restricting the freedom to marry to different-sex
couples.
1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 1128: Once again, a measure is introduced to discriminate against the prospective lawful marriages of same-sex
couples. Rejected in committee.
1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Bill 565: For the third consecutive year, legislators are pushing an anti-marriage bill, this time in the Senate with a
measure introduced by Senators Colbert (R) and Haines (R). The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee approved the bill on
March 5, as did the full Senate on March 26. Defeated in House Judiciary Committee.
Pro-Marriage Bill Defeated.
House Bill 1259: This bill, introduced by Delegate Sharon Grosfeld (D), would remove discriminatory language in the family
law code prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying. Defeated in House Judiciary Committee March 25.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Defeated! House Bill 398: Bill rejected last year again introduced by Emmett Burns on January 23. Would declare same-sex couples'
lawful marriages "repugnant," and refuse them recognition. Hearing held on March 12 in House Judiciary Committee, which
defeated the bill on March 17.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Defeated! House Bill 1268: Introduced on February 15 by Delegate Emmit Burns to ban recognition of lawful out-of-state marriages by
same-sex couples who move into or return to Maryland. Rejected by House of Delegates Judiciary Committee 14-8.
Marriage Law1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted.
In response to anti-gay right-wing group's petitions to force an anti-gay anti-marriage initiative onto the November 1997 ballot, the
legislature adopted the discriminatory legislation. Gov. King refused to sign the bill, blasting it as unconstitutional and wrong, but
allowing it to become law for the time being rather than permit a referendum.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Defeated!
Bill would have prohibited recognition of same-sex couples' lawful marriages, but was withdrawn on January 24, 1996. An
anti-marriage non-binding resolution was also rejected.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: Ann Arbor (Washtenaw): August 1992 Registry: November 1991
Detroit (Wayne) East Lansing (Ingham): June 1993 Registry: March 1991
Wayne County
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 5661: Introduced by Rep. Deborah Whyman (R). Would prohibit same-sex couples from marrying. Passed by
House. House Bill 5662: Introduced by Rep. Whyman (R). Would declare null and void any lawful marriage of same-sex couple from
another state. Passed by House. Senate Bill 937: Introduced by Sen. William Van Regenmorter. Would prohibit same-sex couples from marrying. Passed by
Senate. Senate Bill 938: Introduced by Sen. Van Regenmorter. Would declare null and void any lawful marriage of same-sex couples
from another state. Passed by Senate. Signed on June 26 by Governor John Engler (R).
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees:
[Hennepin County]: January 1991. REPEALED.
[Minneapolis (Hennepin)]: August 1993. INVALIDATED by court order, Lilly v. City of Minneapolis 1994 WL 315620
(Minn. Dist. Ct.) The Minneapolis Supreme Court refused to review the state court of appeals' decision. Lilly v. City of
Minneapolis, 527 N.W.2d 107, rev. denied, March 31, 1995.
[Registry]: January 1991. INVALIDATED by Lilly. Minneapolis Public Library Minneapolis School District St. Paul
Marriage Law1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. Senate Bill 11: Bill introduced prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying, refusing to recognize lawful marriages from other
states, and denying same-sex couples "the benefits of marriage." Referred to Judiciary Committee. House Bill 41: Referred to Judiciary Committee. Adopted by Committee as amendment to unrelated health servicest bill as
way of getting around the appropriate subcommittee. Passed through both houses, and signed into law by Gov. Arne Carlson
(R) on June 2.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Defeated! House Bill: Anti-marriage amendment introduced, but blocked as non-germane. No further information at this time.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Missouri: St. Louis* (St. Louis) *Registry Only: March 10, 1997. Allows for visitation at city medical facilities and jails.
Marriage Law2000: House Bill 1187: Reps. Gratz and Vogel have pre-filed an anti-marriage bill to restrict
marriage to different-sex couples and discriminate against lawful out-of-state married couples.
A similar measure was declared procedurally unconstitutional by the state supreme court.
Meanwhile, two other anti-marriage measures, HB 1812 and 1819, have also been
introduced and are pending in the Children, Youth, and Families Committee.
SB744: Sen. David Klarich (R) again has introduced an anti-marriage bill declaring that
same-sex couplesÕ marriages are "invalid and will not be recognized, even if valid where
contracted." Passed the committee on Feb. 8.
1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Bill 266: Sponsored by Sen. Klarich, this renewed anti-marriage effort follows the previous attack, in which an
anti-marriage restriction was introduced as part of an omnibus bill passed by the legislature and declared unconstitutional by the
state high court. Passed the Senate. Passed the House Judiciary Committee on April 15, but failed to advance prior to close of
session. House Bill 821: Similar.
1998: State Supreme Court Declares Anti-Marriage Bill Unconstitutional.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. Senate Bill 895: Introduced by Sen. Kinder on February 6, 1996. Would declare same-sex couples' marriages presumptively
void. Passed by Senate on May 8. Signed by Gov. Mel Carnahan (D) as Senate Bill 587.
House Bill 1458: Sponsored by Rep. James Froelker. Purports to permit the "solemnization of same-sex relationships by
religious organizations [while denying them] the benefits, burdens, or obligations of marriage under the laws of Missouri."
Passed by House. House Bill 1454: Sponsored by Reps. Glenn Hall and Connie Cierpiot; adds "persons of the same sex" to list of those
prohibited from marrying. Same Committee. House Bill 165: Introduced on April 22, 1996. Adds "persons of the same sex" to list of marriages that are "presumptively
void," as well as language saying that "Missouri is committed to fostering the institution of marriage between a man and a woman.
To this end, the state of Missouri shall not recognize any marriage other than between a man and a woman." Same Committee.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Mississippi. Marriage Law1999: Anti-Marriage Amendment Blocked! SCR 510: In addition to the anti-marriage law passed in 1997, and the governor's anti-marriage executive order before that,
Senator Nunelee proposed an anti-marriage constitutional amendment. If passed, the proposed amendment would have gone
to the voters for ratification in November 1999. Blocked in Judiciary Committee on Feb. 2.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. Senate Bill 2053: On January 10, without debate or hearings, Senate passes bill declaring that gay people may not marry and
that lawful marriages of gay people performed in other states may not be recognized in Mississippi. Passed by House, signed
into law by Governor Kirk Fordice (R) while, as the AP describes it, "he is recovering from injuries suffered in a car accident while
returning from lunch with an unidentified woman."
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Executive Order Issued. Senate Bill 2863: Bill proposed, but failed to meet legislative deadline. No further information. Executive Order: Despite decision of legislature not to enact discriminatory legislation, Governor Kirk Fordice issues an
executive order in August, purporting to declare by fiat that gay people may not get married in Mississippi, and that the state will
not recognize any lawful marriages of same-sex couples.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Montana.
Marriage Law1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 323: Would prohibit same-sex couples from legally marrying. Hearings held in Judiciary Committee Feb. 13,
passed House. Amended in Senate to declare in addition that "a contractual relationship entered into for the purpose of
achieving a [prohibited] civil relationship ... is void as against public policy." Amended version passed the House. Signed by
Governor Racicot on April 30.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: Carrboro (Orange): 1994. Registry: October 11, 1994
Chapel Hill (Orange): April 24, 1995. The City Council measure granted Town employees family and sick leave for domestic
partners and their children. Health benefits were added in May 1995. Registry: April 24, 1995
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. Senate Bill 1302: Introduced by Sen. James Forrester (R) on May 23, 1996. Declares that "[m]arriages contracted or
performed outside of North Carolina between persons of the same gender are not valid in Iredell County." Amended to add
eleven other counties. (The bill was a backdoor attempt to circumvent legislative rules, hence the characterization as a local bill
with application to one county.) Passed without hearings in House and Senate, becomes law automatically.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in North Dakota.
Marriage Law1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. Senate Bill 2230: Restricts marriage to different-sex couples only, and provides for recognition of out- of-state marriages,
except those of same-sex couples. Passed Senate. At hearing in House Judiciary Committee on March 11, the Committee
voted against the bill, giving it a "Do Not Pass" recommendation. Nevertheless, it passed the House, and was signed into law on
March 25 by Gov. Ed Schafer.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Nebraska.
Marriage Law2000: LB513: Anti-marriage bill carried over from last year.
1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Legislative Bill 513: Co-sponsored by 23 legislators, an anti-marriage bill was once again introduced in this unicameral
legislature, and failed to advance.
1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Legislative Bill 280: Anti-marriage bill sponsored by Sen. Jensen (R), held over from last year. Failed to advance prior to
legislative adjournment.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Legislative Bill 280: "The Nebraska Defense of Marriage Act" was introduced by Sen. Jim Jensen on January 13. Restricts
marriage to different-sex couples only, denying recognition to lawful marriages. Judiciary Committee held hearing 2/19.
Successful filibuster by Senator Ernie Chambers blocked passage.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in New Hampshire.
Marriage Law2000: HB1293: Rep. Gary Torressen (R) introduced another anti-marriage bill declaring invalid the
lawful marriages of same-sex couples. The bill will be heard in the Children and Family Law
Committee on Jan. 13.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 260: Introduced by Re. Paul Mirski (R). Restricts marriage to only different-sex couples. Following hearing in
Judiciary Committee, rejected by full House by vote of 261 to 85.
Domestic PartnershipState of New Jersey.
In Litigation AAUP v. Rutgers: Lambda is participating in a case with NOW Legal Defense Fund and the ACLU of New Jersey
against Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, which denies dependent coverage to unmarried employees whose
partners need insurance.
Marriage Law2000: A803: Anti-marriage bill carried over from last year. S57: Anti-marriage bill carried over from last year.
1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Proposed. Assembly Bill 706: Carried over from last year, having failed to advance. Senate Bill 1281: Same.
1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Assembly Bill 706: Anti-marriage bill held over in Assembly from last year. Failed to advance.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Assembly Bill 2193: Introduced by Assemblywoman Marion Crecco (R), the sponsor of the previous year's bill. Would amend
NJ law to state that "[p]ersons of the same sex shall not marry," that any such marriage would be "absolutely void" in New Jersey,
and that "[m]arriage between persons of the same sex is against the [state's] public policy." Passed Health Committee. Failed to
advance.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Assembly Bill 2193: Introduced by Assemblywoman Marion Crecco (R). Would amend NJ law to state that "[p]ersons of the
same sex shall not marry," that any such marriage would be "absolutely void" in New Jersey, and that "[m]arriage between
persons of the same sex is against the [state's] public policy.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in New Mexico.
Marriage Law2000:- BLOCKED! Senate Bill 189: Sponsored by Sen. Leonard Rawson, this latest version of an anti-marriage
bill in New Mexico (the fifth year one has been pushed) blatantly targets gay people, explicitly
assuring respect to all lawful out-of-state marriages except for those of same-sex couples,
and would bar gay people from marrying. Bill was rejected and legislature adjourned on Feb.
17 (although there will be a limited special session in May). Senate Joint Res. 18: Similar.
1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 201: Sponsored by Earlene Roberts, once again an anti-marriage measure is introduced in the state legislature.
The Mormon Church sent $30,000 to the state to be used in pressuring the legislature into adopting it. Tabled by a 6-1 vote in
the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee February 17. Senate Bill 186: Same, sponsored by Senator Rawson.
1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Joint Resolution 4: For the third consecutive year, anti-marriage bill introduced, sponsored by Sen. Adair (R).
Would have put before voters a proposed constitutional amendment to mandate sex discrimination in marriage. Failed to
advance prior to close of session.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 640: Limits marriage to different-sex couples. Recognizes as valid all out-of-state marriages except those of
same-sex couples. Punishes anyone celebrating a same-sex couple's marriage. Approved by Consumer and Public Affairs
Committee. Failed to proceed prior to adjournment. Senate Joint Resolution 8: Proposes to amend state constitution to declare that only different-sex couples' marriages shall
be permited or recognized. Failed to proceed prior to adjournment.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Joint Resolution 10: A proposed constitutional amendment to prevent legal recognition of same-sex couples'
lawful marriages, failed to be brought to the floor and thus died in the Senate on February 15.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Nevada.
Marriage Law2000:
Although the legislature does not convene this year, a right-wing group has announced its
intention to seek signatures for a November ballot measure, the so-called "Protection of
Marriage Initiative," aimed at writing anti-gay, anti-marriage discriminatory language into the
state constitution. The proponents of discrimination have until June 20 to collect 44,009
signatures representing at least 10 percent of registered voters in 13 of 17 counties.
There has been no marriage legislation introduced in Nevada.
Domestic PartnershipNew York offers Domestic Partnership Benefits to Employees (1995)
The Civil Service Employees Association, representing most (but not all) New York State public employees, reached an
agreement to include domestic partnership benefits in its new contract. Funderburke v. Uniondale Free School: In Litigation. In New York, the state government provides its employees' domestic
partners with health insurance coverage, but local government agencies that use the state's health insurance plan to provide
their employees with benefits are given the option of not including domestic partners in their coverage. Lambda is supporting a
challenge on marital status discrimination grounds to a local government that excludes partners.
Brooklyn Public Library Ithaca (Tompkins): January 1991 Registry: August 1990
New York City (New York, Kings, Queens, Bronx & Richmond): October 1993 Registry: January 1993
[New York State Attorney's Office]: Withdrawn by Attorney General Dennis Vacco. Rochester (Monroe): April 1994 Registry: April 1994
Marriage Law2000: S.5228: Anti-marriage bill again sponsored by Senator Maltese (R), carried over from last
year. A.594: Anti-marriage bill again sponsored by Rep. Seminerio (R), carried over from last year.
1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Proposed. Assembly Bill 594: Assembly Member Seminerio again introduces anti-marriage bill, which would void same-sex couples's
lawful marriages if they return, come to, or travel through New York. Referred to Judiciary Committee. Senate Bill 5528: Same, sponsored by Senator Padavan.
1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Assembly Bill 158: Anti-marriage bill introduced again, for third consecutive year. Failed to advance. Senate Bill 1649: Same.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Assembly Bill 158: Introduced by Assemblymember Seminerio. Companion bill introduced by Senator Maltese. Would make
lawful marriages of same-sex couples "absolutely void" in New York State. Failed to advance.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Bill 7345: Introduced by Senator Maltese (R). Would amend domestic relations law to declare that "a marriage is
absolutely void if contracted by two persons of the same sex, regardless of whether such marriage is recognized or solemnized
in another jurisdiction. Referred to Judiciary Committee. Legislature adjourned without action.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Ohio.
Marriage Law2000: SB240: Sen. Jay Hottinger (R) has announced his intention to again introduce an
anti-marriage bill in Ohio. HB547: Rep. Jim Jordan (R) has announced his intention to again introduce an anti-marriage
bill in Ohio.
1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 160: Anti-marriage bill held over from last year. Failed to advance.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 160: Introduced by Representative Jay Hottinger (R), the vice chair of the Insurance Committee, on January 29,
1997. States that only a man age 18 or over and a woman age 16 or over may marry, and would specifically prevent valid
marriages from other states from being recognized in Ohio. Assigned to Civil and Commerical Law Committee. Failed to advance.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Oklahoma.
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 2554: Introduced by Rep. Tim Pope (R). Says "A marriage between persons of the same gender performed in
another state shall not be recognized as valid and binding in this state as of the date of the marriage." Failed in committee. Senate Bill 73: Rep. Pope's language above incorporated as amendment to bill sponsored by Senator Hendrick. Passed by
House and Senate without hearings. Signed by Governor. House Res. 1045: Non-binding resolution introduced by Rep. Hamilton. As part of an attack on the National Education
Association, declares that "persons who engage in same-sex marriages should not be permitted to adopt or provide foster care
to children in this state."
Domestic Partnership
Oregon offers Domestic Partnership Benefits to Employees.
Lambda helped defend benefits from unsuccessful challenge in Tanner v. Oregon Health Sciences
University.
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: Ashland (Jackson) Registry Only: October 5, 1999
Corvallis (Benton): 1997. Eugene (Lane) Eugene Water and Electrical Board (EWEB) Multnomah County: 1993. Portland (Multnomah): June 1994
Marriage Law1999: Anti-Marriage Amendment Blocked! HJR 29: Reps. Mannix and Witt introduce an anti-marriage constitutional amendment proposal. It would authorize discrimination
against gay people's freedom to marry, as well as attempt to overturn last year's court decision interpreting the state constitution
to forbid sexual orientation discrimination in the provision of health benefits and other protections. A version passed the House,
now labeled HJR 4, but was rejected by the Senate.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Bill 577: Introduced by Senator Marylin Shannon (R). Would restrict marriage to only different-sex couples. Passed
Senate 5/22/97. Amendments defeated in House Judiciary family law subcommittee, which referred bill on to full Judiciary
Committee and, if passed there, to House Rules Committee. Failed to advance.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: Lower Merton School District: June 7, 1996. Philadelphia (Philadelphia): June 7, 1996. City employees also enjoy housing tax break prviously only given to married
couples. Same-sex couples only.
Registry
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 2604: Introduced by Rep. Alan Egolf (R) on May 7. Would declare "same-sex marriage" to be "repugnant to our
public policy," and states that "No same-sex marriage shall be recognized as entitled to the benefits of marriage." Further says
that "any marriage entered into by persons of the same sex, where such license is issued by another state... shall be void... and
any contractual rights granted by virtue of such license, including its termination, shall be unenforceable in the courts [of
Pennsylvania]." Passed by House. Senate Bill 155: Senate concurs on Oct. 1. Signed by Governor Tom Ridge (R).
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Rhode Island.
Marriage Law2000: H. 7589: Rep. Mike Pisaturo (D) introduces a bill to end sex discrimination in civil marriage.
Committee hearing held. S. 2380: Similar H. 7552: Anti-marriage bill introduced as well.
1999: Pro-Marriage Bill Proposed! House Bill 5517: On Feb. 2, Rep. Mike Pisaturo (D) introduced a bill to end sex discrimination in civil marriage. Referred to
Judiciary Committee.
1998: Pro-Marriage Bill Proposed! House Bill 7994: Pro-marriage bill introduced by Rep. Pisaturo (D) to end discrimination against same-sex couples seeking
the equal freedom to marry.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill: Anti-marriage bill introduced. Rejected 11 to 5 by House Judiciary Committee on April 11, and failed to proceed.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 7587: Introduced by Reps. Flaherty and Knowles on January 23, 1996. Amendment to Chapter 15-3 of the
General Laws entitled "Solemnization of Marriages" states that Rhode Island will only recognize as valid a marriage that "comports
with and meets all conditions and requirements pursuant to this chapter." Tabled by Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee at
a public hearing at the State House in Providence on February 1, 1996.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in South Carolina.
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 4502: Introduced by Rep. Simrill (R) on January 25, 1996. Provides that same-sex couples' marriages performed
in other states are not valid or recognized in South Carolina. Passed House. Senate Bill 1151: Passed by Senate. Signed by Governor Beaseley (R) May 20, 1996.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in South Dakota.
Marriage Law2000: HB 1163 Not content with having passed an anti-marriage measure in 1996, the legislature
passed an additional anti-gay, anti-marriage bill declaring that the state will respect any
marriage contracted out of state except for those of same-sex couples. The bill was
sponsored by House Speaker Roger Hunt (R).
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 1143: Defines marriage as being "between a man and a woman." The House voted on January 29, 1996 to pass
bill. Passed in the Senate under pressure from right-wing extremist groups such as the Family Research Council. Signed into law
by Governor February 21. Unless repealed, will be subject of litigation by couples forced to protect their lawful marriages and
families, as well as employers, creditors, and civil rights groups.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Tennessee.
Marriage Law1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. Senate Bill 2305: Introduced by Sen. Holcomb. Amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 5 by adding
that it is the state's public policy "to recognize the union of only a man and a woman," and that marriages between persons of the
same sex "are prohibited in this state." Additionally, an amendment has been proposed to spell out legislative policy "to
recognize the family, which begins with the marriage of one (1) man and one (1) woman...." Passed by Senate. House Bill 2907: Identical companion bill. Passed by House. Signed by Governor.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: [Austin (Travis)]: September 1993. REPEALED, May 7, 1994 by referendum. In Litigation A suit has been filed on
behalf of three couples who had registered, Bailey v. City of Austin, No. 9407318 (Travis Co. Dist. Ct.).
Registry
Travis County: 1993. Non-health Benefits
Registry
Marriage Law1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! HB 383: Rep. Chisum introduces yet another anti-marriage bill. Referred to State Affairs Committee. Failed to advance Senate Joint Resolution 1: Proposed amendment to state constitution contains language on the Family Code/community
property that might restrict marriage to different-sex couples.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 11: Rep. Warren Chisum (R) filed "emergency" bill barring recognition under all circumstances for lawful marriage of
same-sex couples. After lengthy procedural back and forth, failed to proceed.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Utah.
Marriage Law1995: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted.
In 1995 three states (AK, SD, UT) were pressured to adopt anti-marriage laws; two refused. Only one state, Utah, actually
adopted one of these unconstitutional anti-marriage laws, thereby guaranteeing that its taxpayers will face costly and likely losing
litigation brought by couples (and others) seeking to defend lawful marriages (once marriage discrimination is ended through a
case such as that pending in Hawaii).
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: Arlington County: July 1, 1997
Marriage Law1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. House Bill 1589: Introduced in House of Delegates by Johnson. Adds to prohibition on marriages by same-sex couples
language declaring such lawful marriages to be void, and all contractual rights created by such lawful marriages to be void and
unenforceable. Passed by House. Senate Bill 884: Similar bill passed by Senate. Signed into law by Gov. Allen (R).
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 1189: Introduced in House of Delegates by James McClure. Subsequently stricken from docket with the consent
of the sponsor. Unlikely to advance.
Domestic Partnership
Vermont offers domestic partnership benefits to employees.
1991
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: Burlington (Chittenden): January 1993 Middlebury (Addison): September 1995
Marriage Law2000:
On December 20, 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled in Baker v. State that same-sex
couples can no longer be denied full and equal protections, benefits, and responsibilities
under the law. The Court gave the legislature first crack at deciding how to provide equality,
while retaining jurisdiction over the case to assess what the legislature does in the session
beginning Jan. 2000. The Court left open the question whether a Òseparate but equalÓ
approach would satisfy the constitutionÕs command of equality, or whether only ending
discrimination in marriage itself would suffice. H 479: Anti-marriage measure carried over from last year.
1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! H 479: Anti-marriage bill sponsored by Rep. Schiavone to prohibit people from marrying a person they love of the same sex,
and to "deny effect to any public act, record or judicial proceeding of any other state or jurisdiction regarding [their] lawful
marriage." Failed to advance.
1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 182: Anti-marriage bill introduced to prohibit same-sex couples from marrying, but failed to advance prior to
adjournment.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 182: Introduced by Rep. Nancy Sheltra (R). Would prohibit same-sex couples from marrying, and deny any such
couples' lawful marriages recognition under all circumstances. Referred to Judiciary Committee. Failed to proceed by
adjournment June 30.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: Edmonds School District King County: January 1993 Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle (Metro) Olympia (Thurston): November 1994 Seattle (King): March 1990 Registry: September 6, 1994. Open to Anyone.
Seattle City Light Company Seattle Public Library Tumwater (Thurston): May 1997
Marriage Law1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Adopted. Senate Bill 5400, House Bill 1130: For third consecutive year, anti-marriage bills introduced. With minimal debate or
process, the bills passed both houses in one day, Feb. 6, and then went to Governor Gary Locke, who again vetoed the
measure. Within hours, both houses, without debate, overrode the veto -- an unprecedented course of events. The
anti-marriage law takes effect in ninety days, without going to the voters for a referendum (the alternative some legislators
frantically sought to avoid). The law restricts marriage to different-sex couples, and discriminates against lawful marriages
celebrated elsewhere.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Bill 5398: Would deny marriage to same-sex couples, and would invalidate their lawful marriages from other states.
Passed by House and Senate. On Feb. 21, Governor Gary Locke (D) vetoed the bill as a "measure that would divide, disrespect,
or diminish our humanity." On Feb. 26, by a vote of 26 to 20, the Senate failed to override the governor's veto. Legislators in the
House attempted to rush same measure onto a special June ballot; failing that, the House voted narrowly (50-48) to send the
measure to voters in September. Measure died in conference committee after Senate refused to authorize a referendum,
thereby sustaining the Governor's veto.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 2262: Introduced on January 8, 1996 by Rep. Thompson (R). Provided that same-sex couples' marriages
performed in other states are not valid or recognized in Washington. Passed the House 60-36. The Senate declined to act on
the bill prior to adjournment on March 8, thus killing it.
Domestic Partnership
Municipalities offering domestic partnership benefits to employees: Dane County: Non-health Benefits Dane County Regional Planning Commission: Non-health Benefits Madison (Dane): October 1999 Registry: August 1988
Madison Metropolitan School District:August 1988. Milwaukee (Milwaukee): 9/1/99 Shorewood Hills (Dane): 1991. Applies only to city pool memberships.
Marriage Law2000: Assembly Bill 781: Once again, an anti-marriage bill is introduced to deny respect to the
lawful marriages of same-sex couples out of state. Referred to Ctee on Family Law. Senate Bill 401: Similar. Referred to Judiciary and Consumer Affairs Ctee.
1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Assembly Bill 104: Anti-marriage bill carried over from last year. Passed the Assembly in 1997, sent to Senate. Bill failed to
advance in regular or special session.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Assembly Bill 104: Anti-marriage bill again introduced. Hearing held in Committee on Children and Families. Passed the
Assembly on May 13. Failed to advance.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill: Introduced by Rep. Loraine Seratti. Died in committee.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in West Virginia.
Marriage Law2000: SB 40: Sen. Boley introduced an anti-marriage bill to limit marriage to different-sex couples.
Passed the Senate.
HB 2036: Yet another anti-marriage measure is introduced, this one by Delegates Coleman,
Faircloth, and Harrison. The bill declares, in part that Òa public act, record or judicial
proceeding... respecting a relationship between persons of the same sex that is treated as a
marriage under the laws of any other state... or a right or claim arising from the relationship
shall not be given effect by this state.Ó A last-minute parliamentary move leads to passage of
the bill, which goes to Gov. Underwood for signature.
1999: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! HB 2036: Another bill to again try to ban same-sex couples from marrying. Referred to Judiciary Committee. Failed to advance,
even as part of omnibus measure. Senate Bill 17: Another discriminatory measure aimed at selectively excluding same-sex couples' out-of-state lawful
marriages from those treated equally by the state. Failed to advance.
1998: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! Senate Bill 50: Once again, an anti-marriage bill is introduced to restrict civil marriage to different-sex couples. Sponsored by
Sen. Donna Boley (R), the bill goes to the Judiciary Committee. Senate Bill 247: Without hearings or debate, the House Judiciary Committee chair substituted a bill for this senate measure,
incorporating anti-marriage provisions. Died in Conference Committee, prior to adjournment. Although there will be a special
session, the anti-marriage measures are not on the agenda.
1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 2179: Would deny same-sex couples' lawful marriages recognition in the state. Bill was amended in Senate
Judiciary, passed the Senate, but then failed to advance out of conference committee.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 4730: Introduced by Rep. Steve Harrison on last day of session. Provides that out-of-state marriages will be
recognized as valid except for certain marriages, including those "between persons of the same sex." Bill failed to advance.
Domestic Partnership
There are no municipalities offering domestic partner benefits in Wyoming.
Marriage Law1997: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 94: Proposal to withhold recognition for lawful marriages from other states, and to void any in Wyoming, introduced
by Rep. Garcia. Bill failed to advance past the Labor, Health, and Social Service Committee and is now dead.
1996: Anti-Marriage Bill Blocked! House Bill 142: Proposal to declare the "invalidity of same-sex marriages" failed to receive enough votes for introduction.
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