Same-Sex Marriage Challenge Back in D.C. Court

The D.C. Court of Appeals is hearing arguments Tuesday from same-sex marriage opponents asking for the right to vote on the district's same-sex marriage law.

The lawsuit stems from last year's decision to reject a ballot measure that would have asked voters to weigh the legality of same-sex marriage, reports the Advocate.

According to the AP, a D.C Superior Court judge threw out a lawsuit by a Maryland pastor who wanted to put a measure on the D.C. ballot to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

After the Board of Elections and Ethics refused to approve the ballot initiative, Bishop Harry Jackson of Stand 4 Marriage D.C. sued saying it would violate the city's Human Rights Act. The judge sided with the city.

Aisha Mills, president of the Campaign for All DC Familiessaid, "Marriage equality has already brought critical rights and responsibilities to hundreds of same-sex couples, yet outside forces are determined to undo our progress."

"As the courts have uniformly recognized in upholding D.C.'s comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, no one should have to have their marriages - or any of their civil rights - put to a public vote," she added.

Tom Williamson, counsel for the Campaign for All D.C. Families said, "We are confident that after hearing from both sides, the Court of Appeals will uphold Judge Macaluso's ruling recognizing the Council's right to broadly protect human rights for all District residents by prohibiting ballot initiatives that cause discrimination."

Tuesday's appeals court hearing will be before the full court. It's rare for all of the judges to hear a case before it has been heard by a three-judge appeals panel.

Follow SheWired on Twitter!

Follow SheWired on Facebook!