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Senate marriage definition may not stop gay-marriages in Missouri.

The Missouri Senate voted to define a marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

But Paul Matadeen tells why some lawmakers say it won't be enough to keep same-sex couples out of Missouri.

The consitiutional amendment essentially sets the boundaries of marriage outside of reach for gay coulpes.

But that's only valid for residents of Missouri.

The U.S. Constitution requires states... like Missouri... to recognize marriages in other states... like Massachusetts where gay marriages are allowed.

Senator Ken Jacob proposed an amendment to to address that matter... which would give the state the power not to recognize homosexual marriages from other states.

The amendment was struck down.

Senator John Loudon says the state had to take a stand on the issue... despite the federal mandate.

He says the proposed amendment could cause a national debate about a state's right not to recognize other states' laws.

From the state capitol, I'm Paul Matadeen.

-=UPDATE 2=-

The Missouri Senate's vote to recognize marriages solely between a man and a woman may face a challenge.

Paul Matadeen tells us about a federal mandate that might force the state to recognize gay marrige.

Lawmakers call it the "full faith and credit argument..."

If a gay couple were to get married in another state... like Massachusettes... and move to Missouri, the U.S. Consitiution dictates Missouri would have to recognize their union.

Senator John Loudon says the state of Missouri should have a say in the matter... and welcomes the debate.

Senator Ken Jacob proposed an amendment to the bill that would prevent the state from recognizing such out of state marriage... but it was struck down.

As for the bill... it will go to the House for a vote.

From the state capitol, I'm Paul Matadeen

-=PUBLIC RADIO WRAP=-

Missouri Senators decided marriage will only be recognized between a man and a woman in their state..

But, Paul Matadeen tells why the proposed amendment may not keep gay marriage outside of Missouri's borders.

It's called the full faith and credit argument.

It's in the U.S. Consitiution and requires states...like Missouri... to recognize marriages from from other states... like Massachusettes.

The constitutional amendment the Missouri Senate passed would apply to the residents of the show me states, but senator Ken Jacob argues it would not prevent gay marriages from being recognized if they had a license from another state.

He proposed an amendment to the bill that would address out of state homosexual marriage, but it was struck down.

St. Louis County Republican John Loudon says he rather lawmakers take a stand on the issue instead of letting the courts decide.

As for a Consitutional debate... Loudon says he welcomes the challenge.

The bill will now go to the House for a vote.

From the state capitol, I'm Paul Matadeen.