Proposes a constitutional amendment that changes a valid marriage from a marriage between a man and a woman to two persons regardless of their genders
Summary
HJR70 is a proposed Missouri constitutional amendment that would repeal and replace Section 33 of Article I, which currently defines a valid marriage as being between a man and a woman. The resolution would submit the question to Missouri voters at the next general election in 2026, or at a special election called by the governor, for approval or rejection.
If adopted, the amendment would change the state constitution so that a marriage would be valid and recognized in Missouri between two persons regardless of gender. In practical terms, it would remove the existing gender-specific marriage definition and replace it with gender-neutral language, aligning the constitution with same-sex marriage recognition and broader marriage equality principles.
Impact
The bill would directly amend the Missouri Constitution, repealing the current marriage definition in Article I, Section 33 and replacing it with language recognizing marriages between two persons regardless of gender. This would affect how Missouri law defines and recognizes marriages, including the legal status of same-sex marriages and any state statutes or policies that rely on the constitutional definition of marriage. Because it is a joint resolution, it does not change law on its own; it places the proposed constitutional change before voters for final approval.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a straightforward constitutional update with no recorded committee debate or vote history provided. The caption and proposed language indicate support for marriage equality and a gender-neutral definition of marriage. With no transcripts or votes available, there is no documented opposition or support in the supplied materials beyond the proposal itself.
Contention
The central point of contention is the constitutional definition of marriage: whether Missouri should continue to define marriage in gender-specific terms or adopt gender-neutral language recognizing marriage between two persons regardless of gender. Supporters would view the change as expanding equal recognition of marriages, while opponents of such a change would likely object to removing the traditional man-and-woman definition. No specific legislators, witnesses, or committee arguments are available in the provided record.