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Supporters, opponents argue impact of marriage ban
btroxler@wbrz.com
Voters will decide in three weeks whether to change Louisiana's Constitution with the proposed amendment that would ban gay marriages. If voters approve the proposed amendment on the Sep. 18 ballot, Louisiana will join only Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada and Alaska as states that have constitutionally defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman.
The proposed amendment is already the subject of three lawsuits by gay and lesbian rights groups attempting to keep the issue off the ballot. One government watchdog group said the issue will likely be the target of additional lawsuits.
"There is no firm, ironclad opinion on what impact, if any, this amendment will have," said Jim Brandt of the Public Affairs Research Council.
Louisiana law already bans same sex marriages, but the current law does not address civil unions or domestic partnerships between unmarried opposite-sex and same-sex couples. Brandt said legal analysts are split on the proposed amendment's potential impact on private contracts.
"Many people are looking at this amendment and trying to determine what does it mean and how does it impact not only the definition of marriage but going beyond that to perhaps relationships, contractual relationships such as alimony, health benefits, and child adoption rules and so forth," Brandt said.
People also differ in opinion on the impact the amendment could have on the state's economy if it passes, Brandt said. While supporters argue it will have little or no impact in attracting or retaining businesses in Louisiana, Brandt said some opponents claim it could hurt the state's competitive advantage, especially in attracting employees in high tech industries.
"They're looking for a place to live in which there are a variety of lifestyles and diversity, and this amendment would send the message that Louisiana is punitive, is discriminatory, and is not the kind of place that would attract the creative class," Brandt said.
Brandt said that even if Louisiana votes to pass the amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court will more than likely have the final say on the issue.
As reported August 31 on WBRZ's 6 p.m. telecast. If you have information or comments related to this story, e-mail them to news@wbrz.com.
