2002 Nevada Question 2
American anti-gay marriage ballot measure
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Question 2 of 2000 and 2002 is a ballot measure that amended the Nevada Constitution that prevented same-sex marriages from being conducted or recognized in Nevada. The amendment was passed on November 5, 2002.[3] In 2020 the amendment was repealed by voters in the 2020 Question 2 that protect same-sex marriage.[4] The Nevada Constitution requires two ballot votes for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments.[5]
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November 5, 2002
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Protection of Marriage Initiative | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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November 7, 2000
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Protection of Marriage Initiative | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Campaign
The measure was heavily influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church). A Nevada Mormon newspaper Beehive first reported the Coalition for the Protection of Marriage's intent to file an initiative petition in December 1999, and by October 2000 the coalition had raised over $800,000 from mostly Mormon-owned businesses and LDS individuals.[6] Mormon leaders had strongly encouraged members through letters with church letterhead to do campaign work and post yard signs distributed at church buildings.[7][5]: 51–71
Text
The text of the adopted amendment, which is found at Article I, section 21 of the Nevada Constitution, states:
Only a marriage between a male and female person shall be recognized and given effect in this state.[8]
Polling
Result
2000
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
 Yes |
412,688 | 69.62 |
| No | 180,077 | 30.38 |
| Total votes | 613,360 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 874,304 | 67.8 |
| Source: [10] | ||
2002
| Choice | Votes | % |
|---|---|---|
| Yes |
337,197 | 67.20 |
| No | 164,573 | 32.80 |
| Total votes | 512,433 | 100.00 |
| Registered voters/turnout | 869,859 | 57.68 |
| Source: [11] | ||
Aftermath
2020 Nevada Question 2 was a ballot measure to replace Article I, section 21 with language that requires the recognition of same-sex marriage in Nevada.[12] It was passed on November 3, 2020, with 62% of the vote, making Nevada the first state in United States to enshrine the right to same-sex marriage in a state constitution.[13][14]
See also
- Sevcik v. Sandoval — a case challenging Article I, Section 21
Notes
- Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear