Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the U.S. state of Wyoming face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Same-sex sexual activity and same-sex marriage are legal in Wyoming.
Video LGBT rights in Wyoming
Law regarding same-sex relationships
Wyoming is the only U.S. state that has no published sodomy cases.
Wyoming decriminalized consensual sodomy in February 1977. The age of consent for all consensual sexual activity is 17.
Maps LGBT rights in Wyoming
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Marriage
Wyoming has recognized same-sex marriage since October 21, 2014, following the decision of state officials not to appeal a federal court decision that found the state's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. Wyoming previously recognized the legal relationships of same-sex couples only for the purpose of divorce. It had prohibited same-sex marriage by statute since 1977 and had enacted a more explicit ban in 2003.
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead said that the state will continue to defend its ban despite action by the U.S. Supreme Court on October 6, 2014, which left standing as binding precedent on courts in Wyoming rulings of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals that found bans on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. In the case of Guzzo v. Mead, U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl ruled for the plaintiffs challenging the state's ban on same-sex marriage on October 17. His ruling took effect on October 21 when state officials notified the court that they would not appeal his ruling.
Domestic partnership
On January 14, 2013, legislators filed a bill creating domestic partnerships to allow same-sex couples to "obtain the rights, responsibilities, protections and legal benefits provided in Wyoming for immediate family members." Legislators who favor same-sex marriage supported the legislative tactic of offering the alternatives. Governor Matt Mead said he favored domestic partnerships. On January 28, a House committee approved the domestic partnership bill 7-2. The House rejected domestic partnerships on January 30, 2013 in a 24-35 vote.
Discrimination protections
There are no state laws banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. On January 31, 2011, the state House rejected a bill banning such discrimination. Likewise, on January 31, 2013, the state Senate rejected a similar bill by a vote of 15 to 13. There is an anti-discrimination ordinance for the City of Laramie that protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
At the start of the 2015 legislative session, a business coalition, Compete Wyoming, was formed to push for LGBT anti-discrimination laws. On February 3, 2015, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved 6-1 a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill, SF 115, contains a religious exemption, unlike bills that failed in previous legislative sessions. On February 10, the full Senate approved the bill on a 24-6 vote. On February 20, the bill was approved by House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee, by 6-2 margin. On February 24, 2015, the House rejected the bill, in 26-33 vote.
Hate crimes legislation
Wyoming does have a hate crimes law. In 1999, following the murder of Matthew Shepard near Laramie, Wyoming, such legislation was "hotly debated." Proponents of such legislation since then have preferred the term "bias crime."
Summary table
See also
- Politics of Wyoming
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
0 Comments