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HELENA - A Republican lawmaker wants to require couples with children under the age of 18 to undergo marriage counseling before getting a divorce.

Representative Tom McGillvray's bill would require couples to attend seven meetings with a counselor. He says divorce is ruining young children's lives and he wants parents to think twice before getting a divorce.

"It saved my marraige. I can tell you I don't know what would've happened to my girls if we wouldn't have stayed together and all of the problems and the things that you go through," Rep. Dave Howard (R-Park City) commented.

"I don't want you telling me what I can and can't do in my married life. I'm sure not going to tell anyone what they can and can't do in their married life. Last time I heard, we lived in a free country, people can make their own decisions," countered Rep. Edie McClafferty (D-Butte)

The bill died on the House floor in a 60-40 vote.