Democrats in West Virginia have blocked
a measure that would limit marriage to a heterosexual union in the
state's constitution from reaching the House floor, the Charleston
Gazette reported.
House resolution HJR5 stalled out in
committee, but Republicans on Tuesday attempted to wrench the measure
out of committee and bring the proposal to the House floor for a
vote.
Only one Democrat, Delegate Tom Louisos
of Fayette, crossed the aisle to join Republicans in the effort.
“Once again, through a procedural
motion, [debate] has been blocked,” House Minority Leader Tim
Armstead, a Kanawha Republican and cosponsor of the measure, said.
The resolution sponsored by Democratic
Delegate Harold Michael seeks to forbid recognition of gay couples
with civil unions or domestic partnerships, in addition to marriage.
Michael introduced the measure on January 13.
Democrats blocked a similar measure
during last year's legislative session.
Proponents of the marriage amendment
are concentrating efforts on passage of the Senate version of the
resolution before the session ends on March 13. The
Family Policy Council of West Virginia is planning a rally on the
Capitol steps Thursday.