In response to a federal court decision striking down Idaho’s ban on same-sex marriage, GOP state Sen. Steve Vick wants his state to consider “eliminating marriage licenses in Idaho.”
Vick told Greg Corombos of WorldNetDaily this week that “if we’re not allowed to determine the standards for a marriage license, then maybe we should just not issue them.”
He also weighed in on the case of the owners of an Idaho for-profit wedding business who preemptively sued their hometown for allegedly forcing them to perform same-sex marriages, despite the fact no one in the city has taken any legal action against them.
“One is to try to re-establish the standing of those who have deeply held religious convictions,” Vick said. “Another potential avenue that I’m exploring is just eliminating marriage licenses in Idaho.”
Vick admits eliminating state sanctioning of marriage would be a big step, and he is only beginning to explore that option. Still, he said the response so far is very positive.
“I have discussed it with just a few people,” he said. “I don’t have a bill drafted or anything. I have discussed it at some of the town halls I’ve been at. It actually seems to be fairly well-received. In my opinion, if we’re not allowed to determine the standards for a marriage license, then maybe we should just not issue them.”
The senator says these are the kind of things states must consider since the will of the voters is being rejected in the federal courts.
“I believe the only way the Supreme Court will hear it is if a different circuit court rules differently. I haven’t seen that yet, but if another circuit ruled that a state could keep on their books a constitutional amendment or a statute that says marriage should be between one man and one woman, then I think the Supreme Court would have to hear it. Other than that, I think these rulings will probably stand,” said Vick, referring to the high court refusing to hear appeals from multiple states after judges struck down voter-approved constitutional amendments establishing traditional marriage as law.
