Florida Could
Vote to Ban Same-Sex Marriage

Voters may decide next year whether Florida will become the 28th state to place a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Sponsors of the proposed ban claim they have gathered the required 611,009 signatures necessary for a referendum vote, but Florida's Division of Elections website shows the group is 253 signatures short of its goal, the Associated Press reported Friday. An election official has yet to formally verify the signatures.

Florida currently prohibits same-sex marriage, but John Stemberger, an Orlando attorney heading the group opposed to marriage equality, said a constitutional ban would prevent judges from overturning the law.

"We believe kids need a mom and a dad, very simply," Stemberger told the AP. "Moms and dads bring something different to the table. Dads are not optional."

Opponents of the measure are worried that the amendment could supersede some Florida cities' existing domestic-partnership laws, thereby affecting unmarried heterosexual couples as well.

"It's government saying this is the only sanctioned relationship that you can have," said Stephen Gaskill, spokesman for Florida Red and Blue, an opposition group. (The Advocate)