States are working toward reforming regulations on gay marriage while the nation waits for the Supreme Court to rule on the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8.
Nevada repealed their heterosexual definition of marriage Monday, while their own Senator Kelvin Atkinson of North Las Vegas announced to many for the first time that he is gay.
"I'm black. I'm gay," he told the state's Senate. His voice trembled slightly as he described his father's interracial second marriage that might not have been, were it 30 years ago. "I know this is the first time many of you have heard me say that I am a black, gay male."
Accoring to the Las Vegas Sun, he also went on to say that gay marriage does not threaten the "American marriage," an argument many who oppose gay marriage have made.
"If this hurts your marriage, then your marriage was in trouble in the first place," Atkinson said.
Senate Joint Resolution 13 declares that Nevada acknowledge all marriages, regardless of sexual orientation.
The resolution passed with a 12-9 vote. Now, it will go to Assembly, and if passed in 2015, will go to citizens for a popular vote in 2016.
North Las Vegas Democratic Senator Pat Spearman also spoke with great passion about the meaning behind this initial passing. As a lesbian, black minister, Spearman explained that her plight has always been riddled with confusion. But this could be the first step in national clarity.
"This is a vote to let the people vote for equality. I know what it feels like when people what to push separate but equal. Separate is not equal," Spearman said.
Both Republicans and Democrats worked toward building a middle ground between religious beliefs and politics, including Ruben Kihuen, a Catholic Senator who claimed his "more progressive" girlfriend often chides him for not being open to gay marriage rights.
"I don't know if I'll be allowed in church on Sunday," he said.
The vote was passed after hours of personal speeches and emotional stories, late in the evening.
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