The Wyoming House on Wednesday rejected
a bill which sought to recognize gay and lesbian couples with
domestic partnerships.
The Republican-controlled House voted
35-24 against the measure.
The vote came two days after a House
committee considered two proposals by state Rep. Cathy Connolly. The
second measure sought to legalize gay marriage in Wyoming. The
9-member panel narrowly voted down the marriage bill. But the
committee approved the partnership bill and sent it the full House,
marking the first time a gay rights measure had reached either
legislative chamber.
Connolly has introduced similar bills
during four previous sessions, in 2007, 2009 and 2011, with little
success.
Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary
Committee on Wednesday approved a bill that would outlaw
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, sending it to the
Senate for its approval.