There’s been a flurry of legislative action in what promises to be a pivotal year for same-sex marriage. In some of the more important states to watch, here’s a recap of what happened this week:
Wyoming:
House Bill 74, which would add an amendment to Wyoming’s constitution forbidding the state from recognizing legal same-sex marriages and civil unions performed outside the state passed the Senate by a vote of 20-10. The Senate version went even further than the approved House version, by seeking to constitutionally ban both gay marriage and the recognition of same-sex marriage, according to The Advocate. Currently, state law, not the constitution prohibits gays from marrying. The measure now heads back to the House. If approved, the proposed ban will be placed on the November 2012 ballot for a public referendum.
Hawaii: 
The Hawaii Senate is expected to vote on a committee- approved civil unions bill, according to the AP.
A similar bill passed both houses of Hawaii’s legislature last year, but then-Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed it. If approved in the Senate, the bill will move the Democratically-controlled House, where it must be passed before heading to Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s desk. Abercrombie has pledged his support for the bill.
D.C.:
Even though the Supreme Court rejected an appeal from equality haters who want to overturn gay marriage in the District, dissatisfied gay marriage foes have turned to Republicans in Congress for help. According to change.org, Rep Jim Jordan-Ohio, “has announced that he will introduce a bill to put marriage equality on the ballot in the District.”
Iowa:
A vote taken in the Iowa Senate that would serve as the first in a series of steps toward implementing a constitutional ban on gay marriage (despite the fact that it is currently legally recognized in Iowa) failed, according to the Des Moines Register.
Maryland:
According to The Advocate, a marriage equality bill has been introduced in the Maryland legislature, where support for it has been steadily mounting.
In judicial news:
Arguments for six same-sex couples in Montana were heard before District Court Judge Jeffrey Sherlock on Tuesday, according to KURL8. On behalf of the same-sex couples, attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union in a statement said, “Recognition of domestic partnerships would enable our couples to access important legal protections they need to secure their relationships and families,” according to The Advocate.
