The state Senate has rejected a bill that would change some of the definitions of “marriage” in North Dakota Century Code – to make it conform with the US Supreme Court decision that legalized same sex marriage.
The Senate Judiciary Committee had recommended the bill be defeated.
Sen. Janne Myrdal (R-Edinburgh) is a member of that committee. She said the people who testified before the committee said it wouldn’t make any difference if the bill passed or failed. And Myrdal said the North Dakota Constitution describes marriage as between one man and one woman.
"A 'yes' vote will accomplish functionally nothing," Myrdal said in a floor speech. "Though, it will serve to diminish, with official intent, the honor and sacredness of the institution of marriage as described in the North Dakota Constitution as it stands today."
Sen. John Grabinger (D-Jamestown) argued the state may face lawsuits – if it does not make changes to conform to that ruling.
"The Supreme Court's ruling is that same-sex marriage is the law of the land," Grabinger said. "Therefore, this ruling must be followed by all states. North Dakota simply cannot overrule the Supreme Court's decision."
The bill failed on a 31 to 15 vote.