Anti-Gay Ballot Measures Move Forward In Arkansas, Dies In New Mexico

[Cannikin]

(Washington) A proposed amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to bar same-sex marriage moved closer a state-wide vote this week as proponents of the measure turned in 200,693 signatures - more than 2 1/2 times the number needed to get the measure on the November ballot.

The secretary of state's office has hired about 35 part-time employees to count and verify the signatures.

"We're very pleased," said former state Rep. Jim Magnus (R-Little Rock) who worked with the Arkansas Marriage Amendment Committee collecting the signatures.

The committee said that 43,582 signatures were collected during a 12-hour period on May 18, the day of the primary elections.

"This is about protecting and preserving marriage as we know it and marriage as a legal relationship," said Larry Page, executive director of the Faith and Ethics Council. "Marriage is a union of one man and one woman and predates all other human institutions."

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http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/07/070204ar-nm.htm

[LDS Jock]

1. I love Arkansas.. why must it be like this?

I would go back home in a heartbeat if it were more open and accepting of gays. I am out, even when back in Arkansas in my little town in the Ozarks and have only had good experiences. I truly believe the people there do the right thing if only they know someone personally to identify with. They wouldn't be so determined to pass laws denying equal rights to all. Maybe one day it will change and the state will be more welcoming. Until then, I live here in Austin where we are accepted and welcomed.

[Moderator]

2. Cannikin

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