MADISON COUNCIL PASSES RESOLUTION SUPPORTING GAY MARRIAGE

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The City Council approved one resolution
supporting gay marriage and another declaring a medical marijuana
awareness week.

The council voted 11-2 Tuesday for the gay marriage resolution, with
four members abstaining and three others absent.

The resolution urges state lawmakers to repeal "discriminatory
marriage laws" and oppose constitutional amendments banning gay marriage.

"These folks are denied the rights that are given to other folks,
rights like benefit rights, parenting rights," said Alderman Matt
Sloan, who proposed the resolution.

Alderwoman Judy Compton abstained from voting because she said the
council should not speak for voters on the issue.

The council also declared March 14-21 Madison Medical Marijuana
Awareness Week by a vote of 11-5.

"In the face of uncontrollable suffering, marijuana has literally been
a godsend," said Gary Storck, a glaucoma patient and medical marijuana
advocate. "This resolution will send a message that this community
thinks it's wrong that under federal and state law, the sick and dying
should have to fear the police."

Alderman Zach Brandon said the council should not advocate drug
use.