DC Ban on Gay Marriage Denied

Washington, D.C.'s Board of Ethics and Elections announced Tuesday that a measure to ban same-sex marriages cannot go on the city's ballot.

Opponents of same-sex marriage wanted to ask voters whether "only marriage between a man and woman" should be recognized in the city. The elections board says putting a measure to ban gay marriage on the ballot would conflict with the city's Human Rights Act.

Board chairman Errol R. Arthur said in a statement that the "laws of the District of Columbia preclude us from allowing this initiative to move forward," reports the Associated Press.

Currently, the city council is considering a measure that would let same-sex couples marry, and it's expected to pass.