Proponents of a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriages in California plan to appear in court today to challenge state Attorney General Jerry Brown's rewording of the measure's ballot summary.
On the petitions circulated last year to qualify the measure for the Nov. 4 ballot, it was described as a "Limit on Marriage."
But Brown's new title and summary of Proposition 8, posted on the Secretary of State's Web site on July 22, states the proposed constitutional amendment "Eliminates right of same-sex couples to marry."
The summary still says Proposition 8 provides that "only marriage between a man a woman is valid or recognized in California."
The titles and summaries of ballot measures are typically scrutinized by both sides in a campaign and often challenged in court if one side feels the wording could sway voters against them.
Jennifer Kerns, a spokeswoman for the Yes on Proposition 8, confirmed that proponents "will file a ballot challenge (today in) Superior Court in Sacramento."
In an e-mail, Kerns declined to state "what specifically we will challenge" and said the campaign would "not be releasing any additional information until (today)."
Gareth Lacy, a spokesman for the attorney general, said the title was reworded because of a state Supreme Court ruling in May that overturned a ban on gay marriages in California.
"We had a very significant Supreme Court decision, and the title and summary accurately reflect the measure," Lacy said.
He said the attorney general's office regularly changes "title and summaries to make them as accurate as possible at the time of the election."
Opponents said that although changes to ballot measures are subject to legal challenge, the attorney general's rewording accurately describes what the measure would do.
Steve Smith, a strategist for the No on 8 campaign, said he is working on two other measures on the November ballot, and the title and summary for "all three were changed."
Call Aurelio Rojas, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5545.
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