The State Supreme Court hears arguments Tuesday on the timing of the vote to amend the constitution to ban gay marriage. Missourians will decide whether the constitution should be amended to define marriage solely as a union between a man and a woman. The court challenge is over when Missourians will decide. Governor Bob Holden and other Democrats want the issue on the August ballot while Republican leaders, like House Speaker Catherine Hanaway of Warson Woods, say it should go to voters in November. Republicans claim that while Democrats might see some political benefit in not having the issue on the November ballot, rushing it onto the August ballot could have consequences – such as depriving Missouri’s military men and women serving abroad of their votes. Senate Leader Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau asks, “What’s the rush?” Two lower courts have already ruled against the effort to force the issue onto the August ballot.
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