ARKANSAS: Wording Of Ballot Measure To Repeal Marriage Ban Gets Accepted

After rejecting two earlier versions, Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDonald has approved the wording of a ballot measure that would repeal that state's ban on same-sex marriage. Even if successful, however, that repeal would only be the first step.

The proposal from Christina Harrison with Arkansans for Equality would repeal a constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex marriage in the state. The measure would not legalize gay marriage in and of itself, unlike another proposal whose wording the attorney general rejected earlier this week. McDaniel also rejected the wording of another gay-marriage proposal on Thursday. That measure seeks to legally recognize marriage in Arkansas as a union of two people regardless of sex. McDaniel rejected its wording, citing "deficiencies" in the proposal's ballot title and text.

Amendments to the approved version must be green-lighted by McDonald before the petition signature drive can commence.