Nixon issues executive order recognizing same-sex marriage for tax purposes

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Intro:	Almost ten years after Missouri voters banned same sex marriage, the state is now recognizing it for tax purposes.
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Wrap: Governor Jay Nixon issued an executive order allowing same-sex married couples to file their state taxes jointly if they file jointly on their federal taxes.

But Missouri GOP spokesperson Matt Wills says the move is unconstitutional.

Actuality:	MOGOP1.WAV
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Description: "A couple years back I distinctly remember a constitutional amendment not recognizing same sex marriage in any way, shape or form."

Illinois passed legislation last week legalizing gay marriage. Kansas doesn't recognize same sex marriage at all.

Nixon came out against same-sex marriage both his campaigns for governor in 2008 and 2012.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Matt Kalish.

Intro:	Supporters of same-sex marriage in Missouri got a victory Thursday, nearly ten years after the state banned the practice.
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Wrap: Hours after voicing his support for marriage equality by issuing an executive order recognizing it for tax purposes, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon is already under fire.

The Missouri GOP and House Speaker Tim Jones are calling the governor's decision the unconstitutional.

Bryan Fischer from the American Family Association called the executive order immoral and illegal.

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Description: "What he has done here is betrayed the will of the people of Missouri. They voted 71-29 back in 2004 that same sex relationships were not to be recognized."

Hawaii and Illinois recently passed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage within the last week.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Matt Kalish.

Intro:	Governor Jay Nixon changed course on Thursday, voicing support of same-sex marriage.
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Wrap: After coming out against same-sex marriage in both runs for office, Governor Jay Nixon announced the state is now recognizing same-sex marriage for tax purposes.

Nearly 10 years ago, Missouri voters banned same-sex marriage by an overwhelming margin.

Shortly after Nixon's decision,opponents say it violates the 2004 vote.

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Description: "Governor Nixon has recognized same sex marriage in the state of Missouri. They can tell themselves all they want that's not what he's done."

A.J. Bockelmann of the gay rights group PROMO is supportive of the move but says more needs to be done on workplace discrimination.

Reporting from the state capitol, I'm Matt Kalish.