2 Republican Reps. Back Gay Marriage, Civil Unions

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Two Republican lawmakers are backing proposals to either allow gay marriage or same-sex civil unions in Wyoming.

The Associated Press reports that Reps. Keith Gingery and Ruth Ann Petroff of Jackson are supporting the proposals from Democratic Rep. Cathy Connolly of Laramie.

One would allow gay marriage by changing the state's definition of marriage. Gay married couples would be treated like all other married couples.

The other would create civil unions and allow same-sex couples to be treated as a spouse under all state rules and laws.

Gingery says the number of gay couples is increasing, posing a legal problem that the state must resolve.

Last year, lawmakers considered but ultimately rejected a proposal that would have barred recognition of same-sex marriages.