Wisconsin: UWO Professor challenges the marriage amendment
Opening arguments start today as a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh professor challenges the state marriage amendment.
Bill McConkey filed a lawsuit against the state of Wisconsin in July 2007 over the way that the amendment appeared on a ballot in November 2006. The amendment, which passed with 59 percent of the vote, defines marriage as between a man and a woman and any other status that is similar to marriage is not recognized or valid in Wisconsin . . .
The Madison-based Wisconsin Family Council filed a motion through the Alliance Defense Fund, a member of the religious-based Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, to make an appearance during the hearing. Julaine Appling, CEO of the Wisconsin Family Council, called McConkey’s suit “a frivolous use of taxpayer money.” “I think it is arrogant to say that people did not know what they were voting for,” Appling said. “Nevertheless, the people who try to redefine marriage are using courts to get their way.” . . .
Doma Watch: Wisconsin marriage information