The religious right in Illinois didn’t get enough valid signatures on petitions to re-ban gay marriage in the state, so state election officials say the amendment will not appear on the November ballot. That’s not good enough for Peter LaBarbera* and his band of homo-haters — they’re headed to the evil federal courts for relief.
A 1996 Illinois law already prohibits same-sex marriage, but gay-marriage opponents say they fear courts could overturn the law unless the state constitution is changed. More than 40 states have taken steps to define marriage to ban same-sex marriage either through constitutional amendments or with statutes.
Organizers of the gay marriage referendum are claiming in federal court that getting a referendum on the Illinois ballot is both burdensome and unconstitutional because of the complicated process to gather and verify petition signatures, said Peter LaBarbera, executive director of the conservative Illinois Family Institute and Protect Marriage Illinois.
But LaBarbera and other gay marriage opponents were rebuffed earlier this month when a district court judge dismissed their claim so now they want a federal appellate court to intervene. [emphasis mine]
“It’s not near over,” LaBarbera said.
So judicial activism is okay if you get the result you want. I get it now.
* Miss LaBarbera, as he’s known at Pam’s House Blend, is known for going “undercover” to “infiltrate” gay events where he might have the opportunity to witness — or even engage in — fun and games. He says he needs to know the enemy. There are those who wonder if he might have other motivations. He does seem a bit obsessed.