WV House of Delegates defeats anti-gay marriage amendment

In a move that I find completely shocking (but in a very good way), the West Virginia (my home state) House of Delegates has overwhelming voted down an anti-gay marriage amendment to the WV state constitution by a vote of 67-30. Unlike in western states with the moronic initiative process, amendments to the WV constitution must be approved in the legislature before going to a referendum. Of course, same-sex marriage remains illegal in WV under a regular law, but its always nice to see discrimination NOT written into a constitution.

This is a good sign considering that the WV Senate recently passed a bill that would finally ban discrimination in employment and housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill is now awaiting consideration by the House, who has shown some reluctance to bring it up for a vote. Anyone interested in this can read more at WV's first gay rights advocacy group, FairnessWV.