States vote on gay marriage ban

THE debate over gay marriage reached the US ballot box in 11 states yesterday as nearly one-fifth of America’s voters had a chance to decide whether their state constitutions should be amended to deny marriage rights to same-sex couples.

Most, if not all, of the bans were expected to win overwhelming approval.

However, national and local gay-rights groups campaigned vigorously in Oregon, where polls showed a close race, and in a few other states to try to prevent a sweep.