From the Associated Press

Anti-gay marriage measure loses in Arizona

by Bob Baum

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Voters in the historically conservative state of Arizona have become the first in the nation to reject a ballot measure banning same-sex marriage.

Twenty-seven other states have approved anti-gay marriage ballot measures, including seven on Tuesday. But by 51 percent to 49 percent, Arizonans voted down Proposition 107, which would have amended the state's Constitution to ban same-sex marriage.

The deciding aspect may have been the broad reach of the measure.

Same-sex marriage already was illegal under state law, but not as part of the Constitution. Proposition 107 would have barred government entities -- such as the state, cities, counties, universities and school districts -- from recognizing any relationship similar to marriage, such as civil unions or domestic partnerships, in providing benefits to their employees.

"Clearly, Arizona's voters took the time to do their homework regarding Prop. 107," said Steve May, treasurer for Arizona Together, the organization opposing the measure. "We knew all along that once voters were informed about the true impact of Prop. 107 they would oppose this hurtful initiative. They made the right decision."

National gay marriage proponents looked to Arizona as a bright spot and, they hoped, the sign of a growing trend.

"What we're seeing is that fear-mongering around same-sex marriage is fizzling out," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

The measure drew opposition from Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, among others, because its restrictions also applied to men and women living together but not married.

Gordon and recently retired University of Arizona President Peter Likins went to court in an unsuccessful attempt to remove the measure from the ballot.

Proponents weren't giving up late Tuesday night.

"We still have a sliver of hope tonight that the early ballots could cut our way and we could turn this thing around," said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, which is part of the coalition that backed the marriage proposal.

By the time the outcome was determined early Wednesday, representatives of the pro-measure group did not return messages left on their cell phones.