Court: Law doesn't elevate marriage over other relationships
RYAN J. FOLEY
Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. - A state law that hails marriage as "the foundation of the family and of society" does not elevate marriage over other relationships, an appeals court said Wednesday in a ruling that could add fuel to the debate over gay marriage.

"We do not read the legislature's recognition that marriage is an important and vital societal institution worthy of preservation and protection as a policy judgment that other intimate relationships are of lesser value or legitimacy," Judge Richard Brown wrote for the 2nd District Court of Appeals. "It does not attempt to privilege marriage over other intimate relationships."

The ruling comes as both sides of the gay marriage debate begin to campaign over a proposed amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution that would outlaw gay marriage. The amendment, which already has received legislative approval, needs only voter support in November to take effect. the rest