JURIST - Paper Chase: Missouri Supreme Court says gay marriage vote should be in August

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled today that a referendum on a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage should be put on the August ballot. The court's 6-1 ruling, which only advises but does not require an August vote, is seen as a victory for Democrats who hoped to keep the issue from November ballots and possibly bolstering Republican turnout in that election. Democratic Gov. Bob Holden supported the August vote, while Republican Secretary of State Matt Blunt, who is running against Holden in November, pushed for the later date. Legislators approved the proposed amendment last month. The court's opinion can be found here. AP has more.