House Democrat proposes end to gay marriage ban

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri House Democrat has introduced legislation that would repeal the state’s ban on gay marriage.

Mike Colona, a House member from St. Louis who is gay, filed a proposed constitutional amendment this week that would go before voters in November. Colona was joined by 30 of his Democratic colleagues as co-sponsors.

Missouri in 2004 became the first state to enact a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage after the Massachusetts high court permitted gay marriage there. The Missouri measure passed with 70 percent of the vote.

With only seven weeks left in the legislative session, Colona’s proposal is unlikely to gain traction. And Missouri Republicans, who control both legislative chambers, remain opposed to overturning the state’s ban.

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Gay Marriage is HJR85

Online:

Legislature: https://www.moga.mo.gov