North Dakota Lawmakers Push for Same-Sex Marriage Resolution

Key Issues Discussed

• Attempts to overturn the 2015 Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage.
• Community reactions from North Dakota residents.
• The role of advocacy groups in state-level legislation.
• Statements from lawmakers and their implications.

Overview of the Resolution

North Dakota lawmakers are close to becoming the first state to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse its ruling that legalized same-sex marriage across the country. The resolution has already passed in the Republican-led House but still requires Senate approval.

Representative Bill Tveit, who sponsored the resolution, believes that the 2015 Supreme Court decision violates both the Tenth Amendment and North Dakota's Constitution. He stated, “Every one of us in this building took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the state.”

Impact on the Community

Laura Balliet, a North Dakota National Guard member and attorney, expressed her frustration with the resolution. She feels it sends a message of exclusion to LGBTQ+ individuals in the state. Balliet, who married her wife in 2020, said, “I want to be welcome here. This is my home.”

The Push from Advocacy Groups

MassResistance, a Massachusetts-based group labeled as an "anti-LGBTQ hate group" by GLAAD, is advocating for this resolution in various states. Massachusetts was the first state to recognize same-sex marriage in 2004. Most other states followed before the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal in 2015.

Legislative Context

While similar resolutions have emerged in a few states this year, progress has been limited. Notably, many states are expanding protections for same-sex marriage. Recently, states like California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Nevada have removed laws that restricted marriage to heterosexual couples.

The North Dakota resolution specifically “rejects” the Obergefell v. Hodges decision and calls for the Supreme Court to revert to defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

Responses from Lawmakers

Following the House vote, some Republican representatives expressed regret over their decision. Representative Matt Ruby wished he had voted against the resolution, acknowledging it sends a harmful message to LGBTQ+ individuals. Conversely, Representative Dwight Kiefert cited his Christian beliefs as a reason for supporting the resolution.

Concerns About Inclusivity

Democratic Senator Ryan Braunberger, who is openly gay, criticized the measure, stating it alienates a portion of the population that is contributing positively to the state. He emphasized the need for North Dakota to attract diverse individuals to foster its growth.

Cody Schuler from the ACLU of North Dakota expressed concerns that the resolution reflects a religious viewpoint on marriage, which could infringe upon constitutional rights, particularly the Establishment Clause. He insisted that marriage definitions should not be limited to specific religious beliefs.