Legal challenge on Washington marriage initiative rejected

Wed, Sep 9 2009 — Source: The Associated Press

A judge on Tuesday refused to block a proposed ballot initiative on expanded domestic partnership benefits for gay couples in Washington state. An appeal was considered likely, however, with just a few days remaining before officials need to begin printing materials for the Nov. 3 general election. The case involves Referendum 71, which would put the Legislature’s latest expansion of domestic partnership rights for gay couples on the November ballot.