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Showdown on gay marriage ban expected Tuesday
Posted at: Friday, February 27, 2004, 05:01 PM
The next big showdown over gay marriage at the Capitol is likely to take place Tuesday.
House Rules Chairman Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus) said he expects the House Monday to decide whether to reconsider its vote Thursday defeating the proposed gay marriage amendment. The House voted 117-50 in support of the proposed amendment. However, the measure failed by three votes to get the required 120 votes needed to put it on the ballot. Twelve legislators had excused absences or did not vote.
The motion to reconsider the measure needs only a majority in the 180-member House — 91 votes — to pass. If it does, Smyre said the amendment will probably be taken up by his committee Tuesday, and added to the House schedule to be debated Tuesday afternoon.
The amendment to ban same-sex marriages has already passed the Senate, so if it is approved by the House it will go on the November ballot for voters to consider. It does not require the governor’s signature.
Both sides in the debate are expected to crowd the halls of the statehouse Monday to lobby lawmakers on the issue.
— James Salzer, ajc.com
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