DC board says ‘no’ to putting gay marriage measure on ballot, citing human rights law

DC board rejects gay marriage ballot effort

WASHINGTON — Washington, D.C.’s Board of Ethics and Elections says a measure that would ban same-sex marriages cannot go on the city’s ballot.

The ruling was announced Tuesday. Opponents of same-sex marriage wanted to ask voters whether “only marriage between a man and woman” should be recognized in the city.

The City Council is considering a measure that would let same-sex couples marry, and it’s expected to pass.

The elections board says putting a measure to ban gay marriage on the ballot would conflict with the city’s Human Rights Act.

Board Chairman Errol R. Arthur says in a statement that the “laws of the District of Columbia preclude us from allowing this initiative to move forward.”