WASHINGTON – Marriage equality could be on its way to the Silver State, as the Nevada state Assembly today passed Senate Joint Resolution 13, a bill that would repeal the state’s ban on same-sex marriage and replace it with pro-marriage equality language.  SJR13 cleared the state Senate earlier this month, but must pass in both houses in two consecutive legislative sessions and be approved by voters in the next election cycle. 

“Today was a victory for LGBT equality in Nevada,” said HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse.  “We thank our friends on both sides of the aisle in the state Assembly and Senate for taking the first step to repeal the discriminatory ban on marriage equality, a stain to the state’s constitution since 2002.”

SJR13 passed by bipartisan votes in the Senate and Assembly.  For marriage equality to become a reality in Nevada, SJR13 will need legislative approval in the next legislative session in 2015, and would then be put before the voters of Nevada in November 2016. 

HRC has been active in the fight to repeal the discriminatory marriage ban in Nevada.  HRC put boots on the ground to mobilize constituent support, generating over 5,000 emails and 500 calls of support to the offices of key legislators.  HRC leaders in Nevada also helped secure Republican and corporate support for SJR13.

“While the LGBT community takes a moment to celebrate in Nevada, we can’t take today for granted.  We must work to keep pro-equality lawmakers in office,” added Rouse. 

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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