Gays challenge Fla. same-sex marriage vote

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Six gay couples in Florida have filed a legal challenge to a proposed gay-marriage ban, saying the referendum would also ban partnership benefits.

"They're going to do away with any potential rights that gays may have to be treated equitably as a couple," Richard Rogers of Fort Lauderdale told the Orlando Sentinel.

Rogers and his partner of 42 years, Bill Mullins, are among the plaintiffs. The suit is also backed by the American Civil Liberties Union and two gay rights groups.

The plaintiffs have asked the state Supreme Court to keep the issue off the ballot, claiming the language is deliberately misleading.

The proposed referendum was initiated by religious groups who have gathered more than 80,000 signatures. To get the measure on the ballot in November 2006, backers must collect more than 600,000.

John Stemberger, chairman of Florida4marriage.org, said the amendment is simply about marriage and would not affect partner benefits offered by employers or government-run domestic partner registries.