Straight Guy
Challenges Wisconsin's Marriage Ban

A straight political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is challenging his state's 2006 ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions, claiming the ballot measure illegally asked two questions in one, according to the Associated Press.

Bill McConkey, a 65-year-old resident of Baileys Harbor, filed a lawsuit in July arguing that Wisconsin voters should have separate votes on same-sex marriage and civil unions. A Dane County circuit judge ruled on November 28 that McConkey can proceed with his case against the bans, which were supported by 59% of voters.

"I thought it was horrible when it first came out, because of the implication of the precedent that it sets," McConkey said in an interview with the AP. "If you don't like gay people, who's next? Short people? As a student of history and an educated person, I know the history and the implications of that mind-set."

McConkey said he wanted to file the lawsuit before the vote, but a prominent gay rights activist convinced him not to. An unnecessary loss in court could hurt the fight for equality even more, he told McConkey.

"Losing didn't bother me because I would have appealed anyway," McConkey said. "But I didn't want to harm their case, and that could have happened." (The Advocate)