North Dakota Nears First State Request to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

The North Dakota Senate recently defeated a resolution that sought to urge the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its 2015 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. The resolution had previously passed the Republican-led House but failed with a vote of 16 in favor and 31 against, conducted without a recorded roll call. Proponents, including Rep. Bill Tveit, argued that the Obergefell decision was contrary to state rights and the North Dakota Constitution. Opponents highlighted that such measures foster an unwelcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in the state, with emotional testimonies from residents expressing feelings of alienation. The ACLU criticized the resolution as potentially infringing on the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing that marriage definitions rooted in religious beliefs do not represent all citizens. The discussion reflects a broader national trend, with similar efforts emerging in various states, although North Dakota's initiative stands out as the first to advance through both legislative chambers.