Gay candidates look to further rights at state level

[davidinalameda]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-05-08-gay-legislators_x.htm

Stung by their failure in 2004 to stop ballot measures banning same-sex marriage, gay rights activists are moving to elect more of their own to legislatures where social policies often incubate.
The push isn't confined to places such as Massachusetts, where the state Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2003. Gays and lesbians are running for legislatures in Alabama, Arkansas and Oklahoma and for re-election in Idaho, Iowa, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Utah — all states whose residents voted predominantly for President Bush in 2004.

"There's a more concerted and integrated effort" in states, says Chuck Wolfe of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and Leadership Institute, which trains and funds candidates. The group plans to give $4.3 million to openly gay candidates this year.

Opponents of same-sex marriage say gay activists fear that if Congress passes a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, they will have to fight ratification in the states. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the issue next month.