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Arkansas House approves anti-gay marriage resolution

Arkansas House approves anti-gay marriage resolution

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — As the U.S. Supreme Court considers two marriage equality cases, the Arkansas House of Representatives has passed a resolution reaffirming opposition to allowing same-sex couples to marry.

By a voice vote, lawmakers on Wednesday approved a resolution in support of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the federal law that bars legally-married same-sex couples from receiving federal benefits.

The vote came several hours after the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that challenges the constitutionality of that law.

Several lawmakers gave emotional presentations in urging a vote against the resolution.

The non-binding resolution doesn’t change any law. Arkansas voters in 2004 approved an amendment to the state’s constitution that prohibits the state from recognizing same-sex marriage or civil unions.

Seventy-five percent of voters supported that measure.

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