Marriage amendment heads to court over donations

Marriage amendment heads to court over donations

AP • November 3, 2008

MIAMI (AP) — Opponents of a Florida constitutional amendment that would define marriage are headed to court demanding to know who is paying for the supporters' campaign.

Opponents say the group pushing Amendment 2, Florida4Marriage.org, is illegally shielding the names of contributors by directing their donations to another group, Florida Family Action. That group then gives the money to Florida4Marriage.org.

John Stemberger, who leads both groups, says the actions are legal. There is a court hearing scheduled this afternoon in Miami.

Supporters say Amendment 2 defines marriage as between a man and a woman in the state constitution. Opponents say the state already bans same-sex marriage and its vague wording would create unintended consequences for gay and straight couples.

http://www.pnj.com/article/20081103/NEWS01/81103006