Group To File Same-Sex Marriage Ballot Initiative

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- A group calling itself the Stand4MarriageDC.com Coalition plans to file an initiative Tuesday on the same-sex marriage issue.

Bishop Harry Jackson, Senior Pastor of Hope Christian Church and a District resident, says he will file on behalf of his group. They want voters to weigh in on the heated issue that has divided the country.

The initiative would define marriage as being between a man and a woman. It's still unclear how that might affect the DC Council's decision in May to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

"This redefinition of marriage will permanently impact DC businesses, education and the family unit without the voice of the residents being heard," says a press release from Jackson and colleagues. "If the ballot initiative filing is successful, DC residents will be able to vote on preserving traditional marriages in either November 2010 or as part of a special election."