ADF, Stand4MarriageDC appeal marriage initiative case to U.S. Supreme CourtALLIANCE DEFENSE FUND NEWS RELEASE
ADF, Stand4MarriageDC appeal marriage initiative case to U.S. Supreme Court
Voters denied their right to vote in violation of DC Charter
WASHINGTON — Alliance Defense Fund and Stand4MarriageDC attorneys filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday asking the justices to weigh in on the right of District of Columbia residents to vote on the legal definition of marriage. The petition appeals a narrow 5–4 ruling by the D.C. Court of Appeals in July which said the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics was within its rights to block residents from voting on the matter, despite a requirement by the D.C. Charter that they be allowed to do so. The charter, which serves as a constitution for the district, guarantees citizens a broad right to initiate and vote on legislation, except for “laws appropriating funds” and other things that the D.C. Council itself cannot do. It is undisputed that the Marriage Initiative of 2009 did not seek to appropriate funds. ADF and Stand4MarriageDC attorneys represent Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr.; Del. Walter E. Fauntroy; and other registered voters. A press conference will be held at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesday in Room HVC-201 of the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington. Case Name: Jackson v. District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics (Jackson II) Full news release, quotes, and related media resources available at the following link: http://www.adfmedia.org/News/PRDetail/3659 ADF is a legal alliance of Christian attorneys and like-minded organizations defending the right of people to freely live out their faith. Launched in 1994, ADF employs a unique combination of strategy, training, funding, and litigation to protect and preserve religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage, and the family.
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