Local/AP
DC board rejects gay marriage ballot effort
Associated Press
11/17/09 3:00 PM EST
WASHINGTON — D.C.'s Board of Ethics and Elections has ruled that a measure giving voters the option to ban same-sex unions cannot go on the city's ballot.
The ruling was announced Tuesday. Opponents of same-sex marriage had sought to ask voters whether "only marriage between a man and woman" should be recognized in the city.
The elections board, however, said putting the measure on the ballot would conflict with the city's Human Rights Act.
Board Chairman Errol R. Arthur said in a statement that the "laws of the District of Columbia preclude us from allowing this initiative to move forward."
