According to lgbtqnation.com, Nevada’s State Senate has passed a legislative measure that will allow same-sex marriage in the state. This is one of the first steps needed in order to repeal the State’s constitutional same-sex marriage ban.

On a party-line, 3-2 vote, the Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections amended and passed Senate Joint Resolution 13. It not only repeals the state’s heterosexual definition of marriage, but says Nevada recognizes all marriages regardless of gender.

Laura Martin with Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada was quoted –

“All people in Nevada deserve the freedom to marry”

Since this is a Constitutional Amendment,  this bill has to pass the state’s Legislature this year and in 2015 in order for it to be brought to the state’s voters in 2016.

The original proposal sought only to repeal language in the state constitution that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. But a late amendment adopted by the committee Thursday adds that the state “shall recognize marriages and issue marriage licenses, regardless of gender.”

Sen. Tick Segerblom, D-Las Vegas, who introduced the bill said –

“We felt it would be cleaner to both eliminate the current prohibition and make it clear Nevada does not discriminate in any way”

The amendment drew opposition from Republican Sen. James Settelmeyer of Minden. Settelmeyer said he gave Segerblom his word that he would vote for the original bill but withdrew his support because of the new wording.

“I don’t think the subject of marriage should be in the constitution,” Settelmeyer said. “This is adding something else in, and I can’t support that.”