Northeast News
July 15, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Recently, the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage.

Last week, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon used a Jackson County Courthouse in Kansas City to reiterate to all departments, agencies, boards and commissions in Missouri to follow the new constitutional amendment. Surrounded by area representatives, Nixon signed Executive Order 15-04 directing all to take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which established a Constitutional right to same-sex marriage.

The order makes clear that local governments have an obligation to comply with this ruling. The order rescinds Executive Order 13-14, which directed the Department of Revenue to accept the jointly-filed state tax returns of same-sex couples who had been legally married in other states. As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision, the later executive order is no longer necessary.

“This landmark ruling was a historic step forward for our nation, and it has some very real benefits for families here in Missouri,” Nixon said.

During his stop at the Jackson County Courthouse, Nixon also reiterated his stance the Missouri General Assembly should pass the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act, which would prohibit discrimination against LGBT Missourians in employment, housing and public accommodations.

“Same-sex couples now have the right to get married, but here in Missouri, individuals can still be fired for being gay,” Nixon said. “That’s wrong, it’s not who we are and it must change.”