|
House bills would strengthen state ban on same-sex marriages COLUMBIA, S.C. -- In the wake of a Massachusetts court ruling that paves the way for gay marriages, some South Carolina lawmakers are introducing legislation to prohibit the Palmetto State's recognition of same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. The bills, sponsored by Reps. Gloria Haskins, R-Greenville, and Marty Coates, R-Florence, also seek to deny insurance benefits for same-sex partners. South Carolina passed a law in 1996 that defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The new bills "build a firewall that prevents another state's action from having any effect on South Carolina," Haskins said. "Two people cannot get a same-sex marriage in, say, Massachusetts and return to South Carolina and force the law of our state to convey the benefits and privilege of family dependency," she said. Ohio passed similar legislation last week, making it the 38th state to ban gay marriage. Critics say the bills discriminate against homosexuals. "The legislation that's proposed denies equal protection under the law just because a person happens to be gay," said Warren Redman-Gress, executive director of the Alliance for Full Acceptance. The question remains how the bills will comply with federal constitutional requirements that each state recognize the laws of other states. "Clearly that is the question that seems to be prevailing across the nation as to whether or not one state can in fact not recognize a law of another state," Coates said. "We believe that at some point the federal government is going to have to address this issue. "If in fact they say that this is a state's rights issue only, then we believe our bill will already be in place to make clear that position," Coates said. "Should that not happen, then obviously there could be opportunity for challenge." Along with prohibiting the recognition of gay marriages, the bill also seeks to deny insurance benefits to same-sex couples who work for the state or entities of the state such as colleges and universities, counties and local municipalities, Coates said. South Carolina state government currently does not extend benefits to domestic partners. Gay advocates say the bill could discourage economic development by preventing a gay employee or companies from locating in the state. "If I'm the best and the brightest coming in from California ... I might think twice. I'll look at South Carolina and say, 'No, I don't think so,' because my partner is enjoying these benefits in another state," said Bert Easter, president of the South Carolina Gay and Lesbian Pride Movement. Coates said the bill protects private companies that may have their own policies on domestic partner benefits. The Gay and Lesbian Pride Movement has named this week "Marriage Equality Week," and is sponsoring several events, including a town hall meeting Wednesday in Columbia. "I hope our elected officials listen to fairness, justice and equality for all," Easter said.
|