ACLU says gay marriage referendum attempt at 'social engineering'

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An American Civil Liberties Union attorney says a proposal to ban gay marriage in Oklahoma is an attempt at social engineering.<br/><br/>The ACLU is asking the state Supreme Court

Wednesday, September 8th 2004, 5:50 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An American Civil Liberties Union attorney says a proposal to ban gay marriage in Oklahoma is an attempt at social engineering.

The ACLU is asking the state Supreme Court to remove the proposed state Constitutional amendment from the November 2nd general election ballot.

Attorney Mark Henrickson told a court referee Wednesday the proposal is vague and will discriminate against gays and lesbians. He also says it could be interpreted to prohibit remarriage after divorce or death of a spouse.

Attorneys for the state Attorney General and two state lawmakers who support the ban say the people should be allowed to vote.

Assistant Attorney General Sandra Rinehart says opponents are trying to take away the people's right to vote.

Court referee Greg Albert says there is no timetable for the court to make its decision.