Wyoming LAP Book - Legislative Key Votes 1997-98

HB 94: INVALIDITY OF SAME SEX MARRIAGES - 1997 General Session

Sponsor: Rep. Rodney (Pete) Anderson (R-H10, Pine Bluffs); co-sponsors Rep. Mike Baker (R-H28, Thermopolis), Rep. Eli Bebout (R-H55, Riverton), Rep. Leo Garcia (D-H12, Cheyenne), Rep. Bruce Hinchey (R-H36, Casper), Rep. Roger Huckfeldt (R-H4, Torrington), Rep. Louie Tomassi (R-H20, Big Piney), Rep. Teense Willford (R-H47, Saratoga); Sen. Rich Cathcart (D-S6, Carpenter), Sen. Dick Erb (R-S24, Gillette), Sen. Gerry Geis (R-S20, Worland), Sen. Carroll Miller (R-S19, Shell), Sen. Gail Zimmerman (R-S27, Casper)

HB 94 created an exception to the provision that all marriages validly contracted outside Wyoming are valid in Wyoming. The exception specifically voided marriages between persons of the same sex.

Proponents argued the bill was needed to avoid recognition of same-sex marriages from other states.

Opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and discriminatory.

The bill was assigned to the House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, where it passed on a 6-3 vote. It subsequently died on General File in the House (was not brought up for debate).

The vote recorded below is the House Labor, Health & Social Services Committee vote.

A YES vote means the legislator favored refusing to recognize same-sex marriages in Wyoming.

A NO vote means the legislator wished to recognize same-sex marriages, or did not see the proposed legislation as necessary.

*HOUSE LABOR, HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE*	Vote
Rep. Dorothy Perkins, Chair (R-H35, Casper)	Yes
Rep. Cale Case (R-H54, Lander)	No
Rep. Roger Huckfeldt (R-H4, Torrington)	Yes
Rep. George McMurtrey (R-H52, Rozet)	Yes
Rep. Wayne Morrow (D-H19, Evanston)	No
Rep. Douglas Osborn (R-H40, Buffalo)	Yes
Rep. Tom Rardin (R-H46, Laramie)	Yes
Rep. Tony Ross (R-H7, Cheyenne)	Yes
Rep. Kenilynn Zanetti (D-H16, Rock Springs)	No