What is Ballot Initiatives

This chapter will focus on the debate over same-sex marriage. This unprecedented societal evolution began in 1990, when three same-sex couples applied for marriage licenses from the state of Hawaii. They were refused and challenged the state's decision. Although the battle in Hawaii began in court, it ended in the state legislature, spreading from there rapidly across the nation. Legislators responded to the promotion of same-sex marriage by sponsoring and passing bills claiming it contravened their faith-based principles.