Wisconsin May Lose Gay Marriage Ban!

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MADISON — The Wisconsin Supreme Court agreed Thursday to decide whether the state's 2006 ban on gay marriage was properly put to voters. The court will review a challenge by political science instructor William McConkey, who claims the referendum on the constitutional amendment illegally put two issues to voters at the same time: whether to ban gay marriage and whether to outlaw civil unions.

A Dane County judge dismissed the case last year, and the Baileys Harbor man appealed that ruling. Last month, the Madison-based District 4 Court of Appeals asked the high court to take the case immediately because of its statewide significance. Justices announced Thursday they decided to take the case and gave lawyers 30 days to file their initial briefs. The court did not set a date for oral arguments and any decision would not be expected for months.

Fair Wisconsin, the state's largest gay rights group, praised the court's decision to take the case. "The constitutional amendment is definitely something we see as a stain on the constitution. It sort of enshrines discrimination," said its legislative director, Katie Belanger.

A ruling striking down the amendment would not legalize same-sex marriage because state law still defines marriage as a union between husband and wife. However, it could pave the way for lawmakers to eventually allow it, or for advocates to file lawsuits seeking that right.

Full article here.

 

[matriarch]

Woohoo........they're all running to get on the bandwagon...........

Come on America.......State by State, join the club.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Is the CalCourt reading all the news? I sure hope so.

 

[john-the-author]

I'm looking forward to my eldest stepdaughter and her partner being able to marry in the state they live. They're planning on getting married next year and it'd be really nice if they could do it at home.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Damn! It didn't pass the NH House. Both parties bickered it to death.