La. Judge Bars Vote on Same-Sex Amendment
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Louisiana (search) judge has ruled that a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages and civil unions is unconstitutional and must be taken off the September 18th ballot.
In a ruling issued late Friday, Judge Christopher Bruno (search) said the proposed amendment is unconstitutional because it addresses more than one issue -- and would appear on a ballot that was not on a statewide election date.
Bruno agreed with opponents of the amendment that it illegally focuses on multiple objectives -- not just outlawing gay marriages -- but also civil unions and other legal relationships that bestow "the incidents of marriage."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Several cases involving the proposals are circulating through various courts.
Legal observers say the issue is likely to be resolved at the state Supreme Court.