Anti-equality marriage amendment blocked in Arizona House of Representatives

HCR 2065 amended to create domestic partnerships; opponents object
 
Phoenix, Ariz. – Equality Arizona lauded the decision of Arizona legislators today to add pro-equality language to a proposed amendment to constitutionally define marriage, effectively blocking final passage of the bill.  By a 28-27 vote, the Arizona House of Representatives amended HCR 2065 to include the creation of domestic partnerships, a concept that proponents of the marriage amendment oppose.
 
State Representative Kyrsten Sinema (D-15) championed the effort to amend the bill.  Four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the Sinema amendment.
 
Equality Arizona Executive Director Barbara McCullough-Jones released the following statement:
 
‘Today’s vote is a win for Arizona families.  Thanks to the leadership of Representative Kyrsten Sinema, our friends and our allies, we are now able to focus on the issues that unite the people of Arizona.

‘Equality Arizona celebrates today’s decision with the thousands of people who called on the Legislature to stop this divisive measure.  We remain committed to promoting public policy that strengthens Arizona’s children and families.’