Pro-Amendment Group Suing Over Ballot Title

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Backers of a constitutional amendment defining marriage in Minnesota are accusing two state officials of overstepping their bounds and improperly manipulating the title of the question that will appear on the November ballot.

The pro-amendment group, Minnesota for Marriage, said Monday it has filed a petition with the Minnesota Supreme Court that would restore an original title that will appear above the question. The case is expected to be swiftly considered.

Democratic Secretary of State Mark Ritchie announced last month that he had revised the amendment title from "recognition of marriage solely between one man and one woman," to "limiting the status of marriage to opposite sex couples." Attorney General Lori Swanson approved the change.

Republicans who back the amendment want wording that focuses on the traditional definition of marriage.

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