N.D. Debates Updating Gay Marriage In State Constitution
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A North Dakota Legislative committee is slated to continue a debate whether to change the state constitution and update state law to reflect the U.S. Supreme Court's declaration that same-sex couples have the right to marry.
The Legislature's interim Judiciary Committee is to meet Tuesday to mull whether changes should be adopted or the law left alone as a statement.
There are some 70 references in North Dakota law at present that define marriage as between a man and a woman. The laws cover everything from divorces to frog licenses.
The Supreme Court last June declared same-sex couples have the right to marry nationwide. A federal judge shortly after ruled North Dakota's decade-old ban on gay marriage unconstitutional and invalid.
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