Gay marriage debate in North Dakota

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – More perspectives have come out on the North Dakota House’s ruling on gay marriage rights.

“The state of North Dakota, the Declaration of Independence, our Century Code here in North Dakota, and our constitution pretty much lay out what the definition of marriage is and was,” said state representative Bill Tveit.

Tveit looks at his view of the topic as upholding his constitutional rights.

“When this law was passed, I’m opposing the method that the Supreme Court used to pass this,” said Tveit.

Tveit voted to support the resolution to overturn the ruling on gay marriage, while some have pushed back on the decision.

“Never thought it would ever come back to this agenda, you know. I wouldn’t say hate but just like not accepting it,” said Blaine Finneseth, a gay man himself and wedding photographer.

Blaine has lived in North Dakota his whole life and has aspirations to get married in the place he grew up in.

“I would love to get married here; it’s my home state and I have the feeling now that it’s not going to happen potentially. I just feel like it’s that people are trying to take that away and people are okay with it,” said Finneseth.

As a wedding photographer, Finneseth expresses that he wants to see same-sex couples be able to share their special day together.

“And for other future people too, like me. Going out there and also future clients would like to be able to photograph their wedding and have them be happy,” said Finneseth.

The decision has not turned into the law. It’s a resolution that will go to the Supreme Court if it gets passed by the Senate.

Tviet says a hearing by the Senate about this resolution is not yet scheduled that he could find.

Stick with Valley News Live for updates on when the Senate hearing on gay marriage takes place.

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