Gay advocacy group attacks same-sex marriage ban
Associated Press
HELENA - Gay and lesbian activists say a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriages in Montana cannot be allowed on the November ballot because it attempts to alter several provisions of the constitution at once.

In written comments to the attorney general's office, PRIDE contends outlawing same-sex marriages through the constitution would affect numerous rights spelled out in the document and such multiple amendments must be voted on separately.

The organization also said the attorney general's proposed ballot language explaining the purpose of the proposed initiative is misleading and fails to explain the measure could result in a ban on common-law marriages as well.


Jeff Laszloffy, a Republican state representative from Laurel who proposed the amendment as president of the Montana Family Foundation, dismissed PRIDE's arguments as groundless.