It is all but settled – Louisiana citizens will decide whether to add
a ban on same-sex marriages to their state constitution or not this fall.
It is all but settled – Louisiana citizens will decide whether to add
a ban on same-sex marriages to their state constitution or not this fall.
On the same day last week, the Louisiana House and Senate both voted to put
a proposed amendment on a fall ballot. The House voted 87-11 for the same-sex
ban, while the Senate voted 31-4.
Both vote totals were more than the two-thirds margin needed for the measure.
House members debated the issue for 75 minutes before voting. Supporters of
the amendment cheered passage of the amendment proposal from the gallery.
Thirty minutes later, they cheered again as state senators followed suit.
Meanwhile, supporters predicted overwhelming approval of the proposed amendment
by voters. While same-sex marriages already are banned by Louisiana law, they
say the constitutional amendment is needed to guarantee that state courts do
not step in and reinterpret or strike down those existing statutes.
The proposed amendment also would prohibit Louisiana from recognizing same-sex
marriages that performed in other states.
The only issue left to be resolved now is when Louisiana voters will get their
say on the same-sex issue.
The Senate measure would put the amendment on the Sept. 18 ballot, while the
House bill would place it on the Nov. 2 presidential ballot.
That issue must be resolved so a single bill can pass both the House and Senate
by the end of the session. The matter likely will be addressed this week in
some fashion and could end up in a conference committee of House and Senate
members.
The matter already is becoming politicized. Those favoring the November vote
say it will ensure the largest turnout, as state voters choose a president.
Those favoring the September ballot say it gives Louisiana voters an early
chance to make their wishes known – before any other actions can be taken.
Some Democrats also say they fear the amendment could be used as a political
football in the presidential election, a lure to attract more voters for President
George Bush.
What is finally decided remains to be seen – but that the amendment will
appear on one of the ballots is virtually assured, said Ken Ward, executive
director of the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation.
“The question no longer is whether this is going to be on the ballot,”
Ward said. “The question is when will it be on the ballot – September
or November.
“But its a done deal as to whether the people of Louisiana will
have a chance to vote on it,” Ward continued.
“They will.”
Nevertheless, Ward urged persons to continue monitoring the issue as the matter
of when it will be voted on is decided.
He also cautioned them not to debate the issue in upcoming weeks in a way that
alienates others and possibly loses votes for the proposed amendment.
“There are a lot of strong feelings on this issue,” Ward said. “Thats
understandable. But this is an issue that is the moral communitys to lose
right now.
“Right now, the votes are there for this amendment. We dont need
to badger people in such a way that we lose votes.”
Meanwhile, though the same-sex issue dominated legislative headlines last week,
it is not all that was happening there.
Indeed, three other key moral and social issues yet are undecided and must
be watched, Ward said.
He noted that human cloning remains a hot topic in the state legislature. At
this point, debate continues regarding a ban on cloning, Ward indicated. Some
are calling for a complete ban in the state. Others are pushing for a ban as
far as reproductive purposes go, while allowing cloning of humans for medical
research.
The latter exception would allow the cloning of human embryos for the purpose
of stem-cell research. However, pro-life advocates oppose such a process because
the embryos must be destroyed in order to harvest the stem cells.
“A cloning bill is going to pass during this session,” Ward said.
“The question is – will it be a complete ban or will it allow cloning
for research purposes.
“Now is the time for persons to make their views known on the matter.”
Video poker also remains an issue, Ward said. Some measures are pending that
would allow areas that already have voted out video poker to reconsider the
issue.
Gambling opponents oppose such a move – and while the issue is not settled,
it looks promising for them at this time, Ward explained. Bills to allow new
video poker elections in various areas are stalled.
Finally, alcohol continues to remain an issue. Several bills are pending –
some positive, some negative, Ward said. Some would repeal the ban on the sale
of beverage alcohol within a certain distance of a church, he noted.
“Its very possible that such a repeal will pass – either outright
or in some limited form,” Ward said, noting that could affect any number
of churches in the state.
On that issue – and others – Ward urged persons to continue monitoring
legislation and to stay in touch with Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation offices.
He reminded persons that the legislative session has passed the halfway mark,
which means issues will begin to move quickly as legislators seek to pass bills
in both the House and Senate.
“Now is the time for diligence and careful attention,” Ward said.
“Now is not the time to turn away.
“Too much is at stake.”