LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has rejected the wording of a proposed ballot measure for a constitutional amendment to authorize same-sex marriage.
McDaniel rejected the proposal’s wording on Friday, saying there are ambiguities and deficiencies in the ballot title and text of the proposal.
McDaniel has to certify the wording of a proposed measure before groups can begin gathering signatures needed to qualify for a spot on the ballot.
McDaniel noted that this was the third submission by Jennifer Piece. He says he denied the latest attempt because it fails to fully resolve ambiguity issues that had been raised in prior submissions.
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McDaniel has previously approved language on a proposal from Arkansans for Equality that would repeal a constitutional amendment voters approved in 2004 that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
However, that proposal would not legalize same-sex marriage. Because state law also bars gay marriage and that law would still be in place if the proposal to repeal the same-sex marriage ban was approved, the second ballot would would legalize same-sex marriage.
