State Would Ignore Same-Sex Marriages

Idaho would refuse to recognize same-sex marriages even if they occur in a state where they’re legal, under legislation proposed by House Speaker Mike Simpson, R-Blackfoot.

Simpson’s bill, introduced Thursday in the House Judiciary and Rules committee, would not recognize any out-of-state marriage that violated Idaho’s codes. Simpson said that this bill “defines public policies in Idaho,” and that Idaho needs to decide what it will do if same-sex marriages become legal in other states.

Current Idaho statutes allow only heterosexual marriages between people over the age of 18, except when a parent or guardian gives special consent for a minor.

The bill was brought to the forefront by Hawaii’s pending legislation to legitimize homosexual marriages, said Simpson.

“Even if Hawaii doesn’t (legalize it), someone else will.”

The committee, including Rep. June Judd, D-St. Maries, voted unanimously to introduce the bill.