Follow Up on SCR 1042: By Mark R. Kerr

As reported previously today (June 25), the Arizona Senate took up and considered SCR (Senate Concurrent) 1042, the proposed state constitutional amendment banning governmental and legal recognition of same-sex marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships through defining "marriage," which if approved by the state Legislature, voters would have considered on the November general election ballot.

By a vote of 14 in favor, 11 against and five not voting, SCR 1042 failed due to not received the 16 votes necessary for passage in the 30-seat Senate. A motion to reconsider SCR 1042 for a "later date," was approved by the state Senate.

According to sources, two anti-LGBT Republican state Senators, Ron Gould and Pamela Gorman, made the motion from the floor to consider SCR 1042 and seconding respectively. Despite the fact the state is facing a potential government shutdown due to a lack of budget for the upcoming fiscal year, Senate President Tim Bee and the other Republicans approved this parliamentary maneuver.

“Today’s actions were an inappropriate use of power,” said Equality Arizona Executive Director Barbara McCullough-Jones. “Rather than taking care of the business of the people, political opportunists are using wedge politics to divide this state. A majority of Arizonans believe an amendment to the state constitution is not necessary, while furthermore, 91% of Arizonans already know that same-sex marriage is not recognized in this state. The voters get it. Why don’t our elected officials get it?”

“Why are these extremists trying to ram yet another amendment down the throats of voters again? What’s more important, amending the constitution despite a law in place that already bans same-sex marriage, or helping to ensure our state government has a budget that meets the needs of Arizonans already impacted by a faltering economy?," said Jason Cianciotto, Executive Director of Wingspan. “Today’s antics in the Senate show just how important it is for Arizonans to vote in November and ensure that their elected representatives are focusing on issues that have a real impact on Arizona’s families.”