Group raises funds to pass gay rights ordinance


FERNDALE -- A few thousand dollars could help decide the fate of a Ferndale ordinance that would stop discrimination based on sexual orientation, a gay rights advocacy group said.

In a letter dated Sept. 1, the Ferndale Alliance Valuing Our Residents asked citizens to vote, volunteer and send donations. "Let's put Ferndale on the map once again, saying emphatically and forever that we are (a) city that rejects division and unfair discrimination," it said.

***

Gay marriage opponents give up on Illinois referendum


ST. LOUIS - A group that opposes gay marriage says it is dropping a legal battle to hold a referendum on the issue in Illinois this fall.


"This is the end of the road for now," said Peter LaBarbera, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute. "We're sad it's not going to be on there, but we've decided not to challenge the court's decision anymore."