Wyoming sees statewide campaign for marriage equality

A new campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in Wyoming, Wyoming Unites for Marriage, kicked off on the steps of the Capitol building in Cheyenne, Wyoming on Monday.

The campaign will work in conjunction with a lawsuit filed in state court on behalf of four same-sex couples, along with the National Center for Lesbian Rights, challenging Wyoming's ban on marriage for gays and lesbians.

Jeran Artery, chairman of Wyoming Equality, said advocates will hold rallies and discussions throughout the state to build support for the lawsuit and their goal -- to make civil unions between same-sex couples legal in the state.

"As that case makes it way through the courts, there is nothing more important that we can do than have meaningful conversations about why marriage matters to all of Wyoming's families," Artery told supporters Monday.

"At the end of the day, marriage for same-sex couples is about treating others like we would like to be treated," he added. "In Wyoming right now, loving same-sex couples and their families are being denied the protections that only marriage can provide."

Citing the national trend, Artery predicted it won't be long before same-sex couples can marry and have equality in Wyoming -- known as the Equality State.

Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, a Cheyenne Republican, said he has supported same-sex marriage in the 10 years he has served in the Wyoming House. During that time, the Legislature has not passed any anti-gay legislation. He predicted gay marriage will no longer be an issue 10 years from now.

(via Trib.com)