Same-sex marriage opponents begin referendum

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Same-sex marriage opponents say they have taken the first steps to bring legislation legalizing gay marriage to referendum.

Delegate Neil Parrott says he filed draft language for a referendum petition with the state board of elections Friday, a day after the Senate joined the House in approving a bill to allow
same-sex unions.

The board has a week to consider the submission and if it is approved, Parrott and his group will begin collecting the 55,736 signatures needed to bring the measure to the November ballot.

The Washington County Republican successfully petitioned for a referendum on a law granting in-state college tuition to illegal immigrants.

Parrott would not identify other groups working on the petition drive, but religious organizations, including the Catholic church, have pledged to help overturn the law.