Idaho Senate Oks Bill About Marriage

Legislation denying Idaho recognition of homosexual marriages legally performed in other states was approved on Wednesday by the state Senate.

The House-passed bill cleared the Senate on a 28-4 vote and was forwarded to Gov. Phil Batt, who indicated last week that he would sign it.

“This debate neither condemns nor condones same-sex marriages,” Senate President Pro Tem Jerry Twiggs, R-Blackfoot, said. “This debate has to do with the policy of the state of Idaho. This bill confirms the policy we’ve had in this state for over 100 years.”

The legislation, initiated by House Speaker Michael Simpson, R-Blackfoot, was prompted by indications that the state of Hawaii would recognize as legal homosexual marriages sometime this year.