San Diego residents bankroll same-sex marriage ban

Newsblog | San Diego residents bankroll same-sex marriage ban

SACRAMENTO - Prominent San Diego residents, including developer Doug Manchester and members of the Caster family, have played a key role in funding an effort to bring a ban on same-sex marriage before voters in November.

Opponents of same-sex marriage say that after years of trying they have finally gathered enough signatures to force a vote on the divisive and emotional issue. They plan to turn the signatures in this week.

The latest reports from the Secretary of State's office show that several members of the Caster family, including actress Christina Caster, have made generous donations to the effort.

The reports also show that the Knights of Columbus, which contributed $250,000 to the effort, provided the largest donation to the National Organization for Marriage, which is backing the ban.

Gay rights advocates, meanwhile, have begun their own efforts to raise money, vowing to mount a vigorous campaign to defeat the ban.

Both sides are eagerly awaiting a ruling by the state Supreme Court over whether same-sex couples have the right to marry