Judge OKs Nev. Amend. of Man, Woman Marriage; Rules Nev. Had a Right to Define Marriage as It Did

A federal judge has upheld Nevada's constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, thus providing a victory for social conservatives who have suffered a string of court losses on the issue, the Christian Telegraph website reports today (December 3, 2012).

In his November 26 opinion, Judge Robert Jones ruled that Nevada had a constitutional right to pass the amendment. The lawsuit was brought by Lambda Legal, which advocates for gay issues.

Jones -- nominated by President George W. Bush -- said Supreme Court action in a 1972 case confirmed Nevada's ability to define marriage as it wishes.

Moreover, Jones went further in his ruling, saying Nevada had a legitimate state interest in defining marriage as it did. He added, "The perpetuation of the human race depends upon traditional procreation between men and women."