Senate Debates Definition Of Marriage Amendment

The State Senate argues about whether a state law should become a part of the state constitution, and whether it discriminates against some Missourians. Senator Sarah Steelman of Rolla wants a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman. She denies that homosexuals are the targets. St. Louis Senator Joan Bray wants to know why Steelman wants a constitutional amendent if the definition of marriage already is in the law. Steelman says courts are less likely to throw out such standards if they are in the state constitution. The Senate has given the proposal first round approval.