DC government asks judge to dismiss suit by gay-marriage opponents seeking ballot initiative

DC asks judge to dismiss gay marriage lawsuit

WASHINGTON — The District of Columbia is asking a judge to throw out a lawsuit by opponents of same-sex marriage.

The plaintiffs, led by local pastor Bishop Harry Jackson, are seeking to get their proposed ban on gay marriage on the ballot. They are suing after the Board of Elections and Ethics turned them down.

City lawyers filed a response Friday. They say the ballot initiative would violate the city’s Human Rights Act because it seeks to deny benefits on the basis of sexual orientation.

D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed a bill legalizing gay marriage Friday and the measure is expected to pass congressional review.