Lawsuit challenges marriage ban in Wyo.

A lawsuit filed last week by four same-sex couples and the group Wyoming Equality seeks to overturn the state's ban on marriage equality and compel the state to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. 

 "Wyoming has a proud history of being the 'Equality State,' and its refusal to allow same-sex couples to marry is contrary to the core values of our state," said Jeran Artery, chairman of Wyoming Equality.

Wyoming Legislature set to ban recognition of some marriages

Same-sex couples legally married elsewhere will not be recognized as married in Wyoming, if a bill working its way through the Legislature is passed. 

State senators rejected a proposed amendment that would have allocated funds to erect signs at state borders saying, "Warning: your marriage or civil union may be void or voidable in Wyoming. Proceed with extreme caution."

And no, that last part was not a joke.

Wyoming House committee kills civil unions bill

A bill that would establish civil unions in Wyoming was narrowly defeated in committee last week, failing by a vote of 5-4. 

Opponents complained the measure would open the door to marriage rights for same-sex couples.

Wyoming set to tighten marriage laws, but may consider civil unions

The Wyoming Legislature looks set to approve a bill that would keep the state from recognizing out-of-state marriages or civil unions of same-sex couples. However, some state lawmakers who oppose marriage rights for gays and lesbians say they could support a civil unions bill. 

"I'm getting a stronger sense that civil unions will pass," said Rep. Dan Zwonitzer (pictured), a Republican who supports full marriage rights.

Wyoming politician 'far too lazy' to be in the closet

Cathy Connelly, Wyoming first and only out member of the state legislature says she's "far too lazy" to be closeted.

And two straight Mormon politicians out there are supportive of gay civil rights.

Lots of good news from the Equality State these days.

Thanks to Michael Petrelis of The Petrelis Files for sharing.

Hurray for Wyoming

A few days ago, Wyoming's House of Representatives voted against a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would have defined marriage between a man and a woman as the only legal union recognized in the state. Thirty-five of 60 House members voted against House Joint Resolution 17. Forty votes—a 2/3 majority—were needed to pass the resolution and move it on to the Senate.

“We are grateful that the Wyoming House of Representatives stood up for equality and refused to write discrimination into the state constitution,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We congratulate Representative Cathy Connolly and the 34 other representatives who voted against the resolution, as well as Wyoming Equality and HRC members who urged their representatives to stand up for equality.”

“I am thrilled and proud that my colleagues took a stand against writing discrimination into Wyoming's constitution,” said Representative Cathy Connolly.

Connolly and 34 other representatives voted against the proposed amendment. Several representatives, including Rep. Pete Illoway, Rep. Sue Wallis, Rep. Keith Gingery and Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, gave strong statements in opposition to the resolution. Rep. Pat Childers spoke of his daughter, who is a lesbian. Rep. Roy Cohee spoke in emotional terms of his continued opposition to the amendment. Cohee killed the bill two years ago with a tiebreaking vote.

The vote indefinitely tables the resolution. The session ends in March.

Wyoming law already prohibits marriage by gay and lesbian couples. The resolution, which sought to place the proposed amendment before voters, would have written this prohibition into the state constitution and also threatened to prohibit other forms of relationship recognition for gay and lesbian couples.

Focus on the Family turns their attention to Wyoming

A gay marriage ban has been introduced in Wyoming. And of course, Focus on the Family has their dirty little hands in it. Not surprising. As they lose their power in Colorado, they have to struggle to maintain it elsewhere. Thank goodness for groups like Wyoming Equality who are fighting against the ban. Be sure to support them any way you can. - via Philadelphia Gay News