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.’
Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced Tuesday that he is halting all executions until the Supreme Court decides whether lethal injection violates the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Kaine’s announcement came as he stayed the April 8 execution of Edward N. Bell, who killed a police officer in Winchester in 1999.
The House Democratic Leadership has announced they intend the House debate and vote upon Bush’s request for at least an additional $100 billion for Iraq military operations during the week of April 14th. When the Leadership staff was asked if they would allow amendments, including one based on H.R. 5507 that would fence the $ so it could only be used to pay for fully-funded redeployment of all U.S. troops and military contractors within 1 year of enactment, they said the House Democratic Leadership “has no policy as of now.”
