One equal, fair form for marriage licenses advanced in KY

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky House committee has advanced a bill to create a single marriage license form for gay and straight couples. The proposal drew bipartisan support and is backed by Republican Gov. Matt Bevin.

The bill advanced by the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday would create one form, where a person could check "bride," ''groom" or "spouse." Sen. Morgan McGarvey — who has led the push for a single form — says it's more efficient, less expensive and treats everyone equally.

The measure is in stark contrast to a version passed by the GOP-led Senate.

In February, The Gayly reported that the Senate had proposed two marriage license forms, one designed for gay couples and another for straight couples.

One form would note the "bride" and "groom" while another form would note "first party" and "second party." Bill sponsor Republican Sen. Stephen West of Paris said couples, both gay and straight, could use either form. The forms would not include the name of the county clerk who issued the license and it would require couples to note their gender.

But Sen. McGarvey of Louisville objected at the time, calling it disparate treatment of gay couples.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

The Gayly- 3/23/2016 @ 1:29 PM CST