News
2006-07-08
Same-sex marriage
ban makes Arizona's ballot
Arizona to vote
on same-sex marriage in November
Supporters of a
proposed constitutional amendment have
Supporters of a
proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex
marriage in Arizona have filed for the November ballot.
Organizers of the initiative, called Protect Marriage
Arizona, have submitted over 300,000 signatures
with the secretary of state's office. The group
needs about 184,000 valid names to qualify for the ballot.
Supporters say the goal is to preserve and
protect marriage in Arizona as a union
between one man and one woman. It
would also prohibit any type of legal status for
unmarried people similar to marriage, like civil unions.
Arizona Together is a group formed
to fight the amendment. Organizers point out
that it would not only ban
same-sex marriage, which is already illegal in Arizona,
but also stop cities like Phoenix and
Tucson from offering domestic-partner benefits.
Both sides are prepared for an expensive fight.
Recent campaign finance reports show
Arizona Together has raised over $500,000 so
far, while Protect Marriage Arizona has collected about $375,000.
Even if it qualifies for the November
ballot, the initiative could still face a court
challenge. Opponents say it violates Arizona's
single-subject rule because the proposed
amendment deals with two separate
issues—marriage and domestic-partner benefits.
(Sirius OutQ News)
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