Gay marriage amendment riles ACLU


FRANKFORT, Ky., April 15 (UPI) -- The American Civil Liberties Union and the Kentucky Fairness Alliance are considering a lawsuit to keep a same-sex marriage amendment off the Nov. 2 ballot.
The Kentucky Legislature this week approved a referendum on a proposed state constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriages and civil unions. The amendment did not need Gov. Ernie Fletcher's approval.
Voters will decide "yes" or "no" on an amendment reading: "Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as legal in Kentucky. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized."
Kentucky banned gay marriage in 1998 and amending the constitution would ensure the state would not have to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, the Lexington Herald-Leader said.