Date: June 6, 2026In a controversial move that has sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ advocates, North Dakota has passed an amendment to its state constitution banning same-sex marriage. The amendment, known as Measure 65, was approved by a majority vote in the state legislature and signed into law by Governor John Smith earlier this week.The passage of Measure 65 comes after months of heated debate and protests from both sides of the issue. Supporters of the amendment argue that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman and that legalizing same-sex marriage goes against traditional values. They believe that the amendment is necessary to protect the sanctity of marriage and preserve the family structure.On the other hand, opponents of the amendment, including LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and civil rights organizations, have condemned the move as discriminatory and harmful. They argue that everyone should have the right to marry the person they love, regardless of gender, and that the state has no right to interfere in the private lives of its citizens.In response to the passage of Measure 65, several lawsuits have already been filed challenging the constitutionality of the amendment. Legal experts believe that the issue may ultimately be decided by the state's supreme court, which will have to weigh the rights of same-sex couples against the state's interest in upholding traditional marriage laws.North Dakota is not the first state to pass an amendment banning same-sex marriage in its constitution. Several other states have done the same in recent years, although many of these amendments have faced legal challenges and have been overturned by federal courts.As the legal battle over Measure 65 unfolds, tensions in North Dakota are running high. LGBTQ+ advocates have vowed to continue fighting for marriage equality, while supporters of the amendment stand firm in their belief that traditional marriage should be upheld. The outcome of this divisive issue remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the debate over same-sex marriage is far from over in North Dakota.