Governor: Gay marriage referendum unnecessary

Gov. Janet Napolitano said Wednesday that she opposes amending the Arizona Constitution to ban gay marriage and called a fall referendum on the issue unnecessary.

Though Napolitano said she believes in the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman, she doesn't think that there is any reason to amend the Constitution at this point. She called the proposal a "prophylactic" constitutional amendment, one that isn't needed yet because courts have upheld a state law that bans gay marriage.

"I believe marriage is between a man and a woman," Napolitano said. "I don't think the constitutional amendment is necessary. The voters of Arizona will have a chance to decide this. Personally, I'm going to oppose it. We already have a statute that defines marriage. The courts have already said the statute is constitutional." Governor: Gay marriage referendum unnecessary
Arizona Republic - Phoenix,AZ,USA