A constitutional ban on gay marriage in Wisconsin is now closer than ever. Our legislature first approved the amendment in last year’s session. To be put on the ballot, the proposal must be passed again by the current legislature.

Yesterday, the State Senate voted in favor of the amendment. The State Assembly already has enough supporters to pass it as well, so it’s now certain that the question will be put to voters at the next statewide election, which is November of 2006.

The language of the amendment not only bans gay marriages, but anything similar. This may very well prohibit civil unions and destroy domestic partner benefits in this state.

Proponents claim they are afraid of “activist judges” changing the definition of marriage. But here’s what is so ugly about this effort: the legislature could have passed this amendment last January and put it on the ballot in April of 2005.

Instead, they chose to wait until now, meaning the question will be on the same ballot as the election for Governor and other state officials. Apparently the proponents are not as afraid of those "activist judges" as they claim. This is a bald-faced attempt to use hatred of gay people as a means of electing conservative Republicans.

If you live in Wisconsin, or even if you don’t, please consider helping out. We have almost a year left to convince voters. Please contact Action Wisconsin for information.

For one man’s personal account of the legislative hearing on the amendment, go here. For today’s commentary from a local moderate/conservative newspaper, go here.

Thanks for reading.