

Sen. Jason Rapert squeaked through the Senate today a pair of resolutions that failed last week and which endorse outlawing same-sex marriage and abortion.

As a practical matter, both votes are a small part of a very long and fraught process, one resisted by many because it asks Congress to call a constitutional convention to adopt two U.S. constitutional amendments to achieve Rapert’s aims. Many, even foes of same-sex marriage and abortion, fear a runaway constitutional convention should such a happening ever come to pass.


The resolution proposing an amendment to restrict marriage to something between a man and a woman passed by a bare minimum, 18-9, with eight not voting. One Republican, Jane English, opposed the measure and seven were among those not voting, same as a no vote.

The resolution aimed at banning abortion, but creating enormous negative repercussions by declaring there’s a right to life beginning at conception, passed 19-9, with seven not voting. English again voted no and six Republicans were among those not voting, the equivalent of a no vote.


The resolutions now go to the House.

Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution allows for such a convention on application of two-thirds of the states. The current situation is somewhat hazy on how many states have applied on what subjects.