News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

House Approves Marriage Amendment

For Immediate Release: May 11, 1998 Contact: Mike Pauley, Aide to Senator Loren Leman, at (907) 465-3841.

Juneau – The House of Representatives voted 28 to 12 this evening to approve Senate Joint Resolution 42, thus giving Alaska voters the opportunity to approve a constitutional amendment reaffirming the "one man, one woman" definition of marriage.

"I’m pleased with the House vote," stated Senator Loren Leman (R-Anchorage), Vice Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, and Social Services Committee that sponsored SJR 42. "For most legislators, this debate boiled down to one simple question: should we allow unelected judges to impose a radical redefinition of marriage on this state, or should we let the people of Alaska decide? Tonight, the answer was clear: the people will decide."

SJR 42 was introduced in response to the February 27 decision of Superior Court Judge Peter Michalski, who ruled that Alaska may have to recognize homosexual marriages. "No other state recognizes homosexual marriage, nor does any other country in the world," noted Senator Leman. "The federal government defines marriage as a union of one man and one woman. Left uncorrected, Judge Michalski’s decision threatens to place Alaska’s marriage law in conflict with the laws of all other political jurisdictions."

The Senate must vote to concur with House changes to SJR 42 before the measure can be placed before voters for ratification. Senator Leman stated he looks forward to a responsible and civil debate on the proposed amendment. "People certainly have strong beliefs on this issue, and I urge Alaskans to conduct this debate with civility and respect."

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= Loren Leman, 63 K