CNMI lawmakers expressed opposing views on same-sex marriage, but are in agreement in supporting the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s landmark decision.<\/p>\n
For House Floor Leader George Camacho (R-Saipan), the decision is a \u201cvictory for the people,\u201d because the SC\u2019s decision \u201ctrumps\u201d every decision on such \u201csensitive\u201d matters.<\/p>\n
Camacho said he thinks the decision will not have much of an impact to the CNMI, stating that the decision \u201copens\u201d the minds of people and that the CNMI is \u201cmoving forward\u201d with the times.<\/p>\n
He also dismissed notions that the historic decision will give a \u201cblack eye to the church\u201d adding that he is supportive of the decision.<\/p>\n
For Rep. Angel A. Demapan (R-Saipan), as a U.S. territory, the CNMI \u201chas to honor the decision of the SC.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, this is a very sensitive issue, but the ruling is already there,\u201d Demapan said, adding that, \u201ctimes have changed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Demapan said the decision is also about \u201cfundamental freedom\u201d accorded to citizens, and that he supports it.<\/p>\n
One good thing about the decision, Demapan said, is that governments now has a set of guidelines to use.<\/p>\n
Rep. Joseph \u201cLee Pan\u201d Guerrero (R-Saipan) said he supports the landmark decision, but what he questions is the actual need for \u201cmarriage\u201d between same-sex individuals.<\/p>\n
\u201cI support this decision of the Supreme Court,\u201d he said. \u201cBut what does marriage accomplish for these individuals?\u201d<\/p>\n
He said he also questions the \u201cpurpose\u201d of same-sex marriage, although he made it clear that he respects gay people and has nothing against them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWill there be consequences if we allow this on the CNMI?\u201d Guerrero said, adding that the SC decision may have an effect on a predominantly Catholic territory such as the CNMI?<\/p>\n
He said he is urging leaders of the diocese in the CNMI to issue a statement regarding the issue.<\/p>\n
On Monday, Gov. Eloy S. Inos issued a statement saying that he will consult with the Attorney General and CNMI mayors \u201cto see how we can initiate the necessary changes to current regulations to comply with the ruling and ensure an equal application of our constitutional rights throughout the CNMI.\u201d<\/p>\n
Inos said, \u201csame-sex common law unions have been in existence in our culture even before this ruling. In our small community, we either have family, friends, or know of people who are gay or lesbian couples.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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