February 10, 2014
Mo. Lawmaker Files Resolution to Impeach Gov. Jay Nixon
Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 1 MIN.
A Missouri House Republican wants to impeach Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon over the acceptance of joint tax returns from legally married same-sex couples.
The resolution states Nixon breached his duty to faithfully execute the laws and is guilty of "willful neglect of duty and misconduct in office." Rep. Nick Marshall, of Parkville, filed the resolution Thursday.
Missouri's Constitution states marriages must be between a man and a woman to be valid and recognized.
Missouri's tax code is tied to the federal government, and Nixon said couples filing joint federal returns also must file joint state returns. Federal agencies determined legally married same-sex couples would be treated as married for tax purposes regardless of residence.
Nixon has said his order applied to tax filing status and does not authorize same-sex marriage in Missouri