ND SB2043

Redefines marriage throughout North Dakota Century Code as a civil contract "between two individuals" rather than "between one man and one woman," with spouse defined as "one of two individuals married to each other"

Updates 33 sections of state law including criminal law, family law, property law, tax law, and hunting/fishing regulations to replace gender-specific language ("husband and wife") with gender-neutral terms ("spouse" or "two individuals married to each other")

Maintains existing marital rights and obligations including mutual support duties, property rights, homestead protections, and spousal privileges while applying them equally regardless of spouse gender

Removes restrictions on foreign marriage recognition that previously limited validity to opposite-sex unions contracted in other states or countries

Updates specific provisions for adoption rights, gestational carrier agreements, family hunting/fishing licenses, and homestead conveyance requirements to align with gender-neutral marriage definition