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Torres: Gov’t working on schedule to consult with AG on same-sex ruling
The CNMI government is still working on a schedule to consult with the Attorney General’s Office and Commonwealth mayors regarding same-sex marriage and how it will impact the CNMI.
Torres
“Now that a decision has been handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, it is the right time to acknowledge it and work on how it can be implemented on the CNMI,” Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres said.
The official said the landmark decision to allow same-sex marriage in all the U.S. states including territories show that “a lot of changes have been happening.”
Torres, however, said a specific date on the consultations has yet to be decided. “We are working on schedule, but there is no specific date yet,” Torres said.
On Friday, the SC issued its historic ruling through a 5-4 vote that legalized same sex marriage across the 50 states and the Insular Areas such as the CNMI.
Gov. Eloy S. Inos earlier said consultations will be set with the Attorney General and CNMI mayors “to 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.”
“The union between two individuals regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, etc. through the ceremony of marriage is a celebration of unconditional love and enduring commitment,” Inos said in a statement, adding that, “while we acknowledge this historical ruling, we must remember that what is most important in our community is that we express love, compassion, and tolerance toward one another.
Inos said, “same-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.”
