SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Illinois officials say a non-binding referendum for a state constitutional ban on gay marriage will not be on the ballot because of too few petition signatures.
But conservatives who support the measure said their effort is not dead, the Chicago Tribune reported. They have appealed a federal judge's ruling rejecting their argument that the laws for getting a referendum issue on the ballot are unconstitutional and burdensome.
"We're still in the game," said Peter LaBarbera, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute.
The non-binding measure would ask voters if the state should amend its Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman, the Tribune said. Supporters want the amendment to ensure the courts can't overturn existing law that bars same-sex marriage.
