January 4, 2014
Idaho To Defend Gay Marriage Ban
Bobby McGuire READ TIME: 1 MIN.
BOISE - Republicans pledged to defend Idaho's ban on gay marriage from legal challenge, while Democrats favor letting similar cases elsewhere proceed rather than dedicating taxpayer resources to what they believe will be a losing battle.
Four couples have challenged Idaho's gay marriage ban, enacted by voters in 2006, in federal court.
Gov. Butch Otter Friday told reporters it was his responsibility to stand up for Idaho's Constitution.
Senate GOP leader Brent Hill, R-Rexburg, said "It's always a wise use of funds to defend our Constitution."
Similar ban challenges are more advanced in Utah and Ohio.
House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, said fighting to preserve the bans will be a costly, losing fight, about as successful as "holding back the tide."
