Phoenix mayor comes out against state amendment to ban same-sex marriage  | News | Advocate.com

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August 24, 2006
Phoenix mayor comes out against state amendment to ban same-sex marriage
Phoenix mayor comes out against state amendment to ban same-sex marriage

Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon is opposing an Arizona constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, saying its prohibition of domestic-partner benefits could hurt the city's recruitment of talented employees. Gordon said Tuesday that if the city of Phoenix cannot offer health insurance to the domestic partners of its employees, it could jeopardize the city's "ability to compete against the private sector or other cities" as the city grows rapidly. Phoenix currently provides the benefit to 176 employees.

Recently retired University of Arizona president Peter Likins also is opposed to the proposed amendment to the state constitution. Likins and Gordon filed a brief with the Arizona supreme court last week, supporting an appeal to remove Proposition 107, known as Protect Marriage Arizona, from the November 7 ballot.

A Maricopa County superior court judge ruled that the measure can remain on the ballot because it does not violate the requirement that constitutional amendments address a single subject. Opponents say the initiative deals with two subjects: same-sex marriages and domestic-partner benefits. The state supreme court is taking up the question on appeal and is expected to rule this week or next week.

Proposition 107 would amend the constitution to ban same-sex marriages, which are already illegal under state law. It also bars political subdivisions of the state—such as cities, counties, universities, and school districts—from recognizing any relationship similar to marriage, such as civil unions or domestic partnerships.

Though proponents skirted the issue early in the campaign, they now acknowledge that the measure would also invalidate domestic-partner benefits now in place across the state. Peter Gentala, legal counsel for the Center for Arizona Policy, which is backing the proposition, said the measure has "a single, common purpose, and that is protecting marriage from contemporary challenges."

Gentala points to similar measures that have passed and withstood legal challenges in other states. "What they are saying is that there are all sorts of relationships that are no different than marriage, and that is incorrect, because marriage has a unique place in society," Gentala said. (AP)

© 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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