Senate vote stands between us and a nasty fight (Idaho DOMA)

[davidinalameda]

http://www.idahostatesman.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050130/NEWS010702/501300317/1002/NEWS01

Twelve senators can spare Idaho an ugly, demeaning, expensive fight over gay marriage that would have no practical effect except to divide us.

The Senate vote on a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage and civil unions of any kind is expected Wednesday. Twelve senators say they will oppose the measure, denying supporters the two-thirds majority necessary to put the amendment on the November 2006 ballot, as my colleague Wayne Hoffman reported Saturday.

I hope their courage lasts. They'll be under intense pressure before the vote, but we have better things to do in the next 21 months, including elect a governor and a member of Congress, and dealing with budget, education, transportation and economic development needs.