The Wisconsin Supreme Court today was
asked to review the legality of a 2006 referendum that placed a gay
marriage ban in the Wisconsin constitution, reports the Wisconsin
Radio Network.
At issue is whether the referendum
illegally put two issues to voters at the same time. The referendum
asked voters to outlaw gay marriage and civil unions.
William McConkey, a University of
Wisconsin-Oshkosh political science instructor, filed the lawsuit.
His case was dismissed by a Dane County
judge, and appealed to the District 4 Court of Appeals. The appeals
court asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review the case, saying
“the validity of the marriage amendment is a matter of significant
public interest with statewide implications.”
A win in the state Supreme Court would
not legalize gay marriage in the state because the state defines
marriage as a heterosexual union. But it would allow gay and lesbian
couples who have been denied a marriage license the right to file a
lawsuit.
A large majority of Wisconsin voters
(60%) approved the gay marriage amendment in 2006.
The state Supreme Court may rule to
take the case or ask the appeals court for a ruling.