Gay marriage ban advances in Nevada; marijuana, state funds on ballot

RENO - Nevada voters gave initial approval Tuesday to a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriages.

State law already prohibits same-sex unions. But the well-financed Coalition for the Protection of Marriage, which gathered more than 120,000 signatures to place Question 2 on the ballot, says a more stringent constitutional ban is needed to ensure Nevada is not forced to recognize same-sex unions performed in other states.

The measure requires the approval voters again in 2002 before taking effect.

Voters also were expected to give final approval to a constitutional amendment allowing medical use of marijuana, which was passed by 59 percent of voters in 1998.

A third measure, Question 1, was initiated by state lawmakers. It lifts a constitutional ban prohibiting the state from loaning money to private businesses. Passed in 1997 and 1999 by the Nevada Legislature, Question 1 needs to be ratified by voters to take effect.

Critics of the gay marriage ban argue the measure is fueled by bigotry. Equal Rights Nevada, an alliance formed to fight the initiative, is heavily outgunned in finances and concedes defeat this year.

But the group is setting its sights on 2002, when Question 2 will have to be approved by voters a second time to become part of the Nevada Constitution.

Advocates of Question 9 say marijuana helps seriously ill people suffering from such maladies as glaucoma, nausea from chemotherapy or appetite loss from AIDS better cope with their symptoms.

Since 1996, similar measures have been enacted in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Maine and Hawaii.

Upon approval, state lawmakers must craft laws to implement it in Nevada.

Backers of Question 1 say allowing the state to loan money to private businesses would stimulate economic diversity and create high-paying jobs.

Opponents, which include some business groups and the Nevada Taxpayers Association, argue the measure amounts to corporate welfare.

Critics charge that if private lenders are unwilling to invest in a particular company, the state shouldn't risk taxpayer dollars.

Nevada voters overwhelming rejected similar ballots questions in 1992 and 1996.