Bills which would recognize the
relationships of gay and lesbian couples with either marriage or
domestic partnerships have been introduced in the Wyoming House.
Rep. Cathy Connolly, a Democrat from
Laramie, introduced the measures on Monday.
According to the Jackson
Hole News and Guide, Keith Gingery, the Republican chairman
of the Judiciary Committee, where the bills will first be debated,
has endorsed both measures, and said he would prefer marriage over
domestic partnerships.
“We need to separate the religious
issue from the civil function of society,” said Gingery, a
Catholic. “Legally speaking, I would prefer the gay marriage bill.
We already know how it works.”
Connolly has introduced similar bills
during four previous sessions, in 2007, 2009 and 2011, with little
success.
A second Republican, Rep. Ruth Ann
Petroff, has also backed the proposals.
“It's a basic human rights and
fairness issue,” Petroff said. “It's a basic constitutional
issue. There should just be no reason why same-sex couples shouldn't
have the same rights as everyone else.”
The House's Republican majority has
increased from 41 members (out of 60) to 52 since 2008.