Senate favors call to convene states

Two resolutions seeking a convention of the states to decide on amendments to the U. S. Constitution — one to outlaw abortion, the other to ban gay marriage — were approved by the Senate on Tuesday.

Senate Joint Resolutions 7 and 9, on marriage and abortion respectively, are sponsored by Sen. Jason Rapert, R- Bigelow. Each previously failed to pass in the chamber by a single vote, with at least 10 members not voting. The resolutions now go to the House.

In order for a convention of the states to be called under Article 5 of the U. S. Constitution, two- thirds of the states — at least 34 state legislatures — must pass resolutions calling for amendments to be heard on the same subject matter.