Former governor urges voters to stop gay marriage ban

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Former Oklahoma Gov. David Walters is urging voters to help stop a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriages in Oklahoma.<br><br>Last week, the state Senate approved a bill to

Wednesday, April 21st 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Former Oklahoma Gov. David Walters is urging voters to help stop a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriages in Oklahoma.

Last week, the state Senate approved a bill to let Oklahomans vote on the amendment in November. First, the House has to consider the measure.

Walters says in a recorded phone message to voters that the bill is anti-civil rights.

He says that putting it on the November ballot would guarantee a large Republican turnout. He says that would give Oklahoma Republicans another seat in Congress.

Walters' message asks voters to call House Speaker Larry Adair and urge him to kill the bill.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate say Walters' message is an attempt to keep Oklahoma voters from having their say on protecting traditional marriage.