WWW arkcity.net

By JAMES JORDAN
The Traveler

State Senator Greta Goodwin believes her opponent, and Republicans in general, are stoking the passions of a proposed gay marriage amendment and not dealing with real issues.

Republican Ray La Boeuf has criticized Goodwin, a Democrat, for voting against allowing Kansans to vote on a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage.

Goodwin says the amendment was unnecessary due to current laws, and is simply a hot-button issue conservatives are using against moderates this election year.

La Boeuf spoke Saturday at a church-organized rally in Arkansas City pushing for an amendment.

"I am not opposed to the law we now have," Goodwin said. "We do not need a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage."

Current Kansas law defines marriage as being between one man and one woman. It does not recognize gay marriage, and will not recognize such marriages from out of state. It also does not recognize multipl- marriage partners.

Goodwin said she investigated the matter last year when it was being discussed during the legislative session. She determined that no amendment is needed.

"I visited with two constitutional law professors, one from Washburn University and one from the University of Kansas, and a judge on the state supreme court," she said. "They all told me an amendment would do no good."

Goodwin believes the courts will not overturn the current Kansas law, but federal courts might throw out a constitutional amendment if it were to pass.

"Colorado had an amendment, and was sued," she said. "They fought it in court for several years and lost. I don't think that is a good way to spend taxpayers' money."

Goodwin believes those supporting the gay marriage amendment are using it as a way to gain control.

"They want to defeat moderates, and it goes beyond party lines," she said. "Every year, those with the ultra-right wing, find some hot button issue to use, instead of talking about real issues."