State Senator RaShaun Kemp, a Democrat from Atlanta, has introduced a resolution to amend Georgia’s constitution to recognize same-sex marriages. Currently, the state’s constitution defines marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman.
In 2004, over 76% of Georgia voters approved a constitutional amendment reinforcing this traditional definition of marriage. However, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex marriages have been recognized federally, superseding state laws to the contrary.
Senator Kemp, who is married to Christopher Kemp and has two children, emphasized the need for state-level action to align Georgia’s constitution with federal law and to protect marriage rights within the state. He stated, “The current Georgia Constitution does not recognize same-sex marriage, a reflection of the past and an outdated way of thinking. Right now, the state must follow federal law, which allows my marriage to be recognized. But we must act at the state level to protect these rights.”
Kemp’s advocacy for updating the state’s legal framework is partially to ensure that families like his receive equal protection and recognition under Georgia law.
The proposed resolution seeks to redefine marriage in Georgia as a union between two people, “regardless of race, gender, or biological sex.” If the resolution gains sufficient support in the state legislature, it will be placed on the ballot, allowing Georgia voters to decide on the amendment.
Senator Kemp expressed optimism about bipartisan support for the resolution, stating, “Colleagues on both sides of the aisle should be more than willing to support this resolution. No love should be illegal.”
