Wyoming law currently states that “All marriage contracts which are valid by the laws of the country in which contracted are valid in this state” (Wyo. Stat. Ann. §20-1-111).  This inclusive language would seem to allow state recognition of out-of-state same-sex marriages, but any such opportunity may soon be at an end.

The Wyoming House passed legislation Monday to stop recognition of out-of-state gay marriages and civil unions.  The bill now heads to the Senate, where its chances for passage appear good.

The Wyoming House has voted down similar legislation twice in recent years. But with many past opponents retiring or voted out of office in November, the bill passed the House 32-27.

Gay rights supporters had staged rallies last week in opposition to the bill, but to little to no avail.