News (USA)

Mo. lawmaker seeks to impeach governor over tax filing policy for gay couples

Mo. lawmaker seeks to impeach governor over tax filing policy for gay couples

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A Missouri House Republican wants to impeach Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon over the acceptance of joint tax returns from legally married same-sex couples.

Nick Marshall
Nick Marshall

The resolution states Nixon breached his duty to faithfully execute the laws and is guilty of “willful neglect of duty and misconduct in office.” Rep. Nick Marshall, of Parkville, filed the resolution Thursday.

Missouri’s Constitution states marriages must be between a man and a woman to be valid and recognized.

Missouri’s tax code is tied to the federal government, and Nixon said couples filing joint federal returns also must file joint state returns. Federal agencies determined legally married same-sex couples would be treated as married for tax purposes regardless of residence.

Nixon has said his order applied to tax filing status and does not authorize same-sex marriage in Missouri.

Scott Holste, a spokesperson for Nixon, called the resolution a “publicity stunt” and says the governor is focused on education, jobs and health care.

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