Politics & Government

Anti-Casino Group Fight to Save Ballot Question

See why their question was nixed by the AG.

By Roberto Scalese

Armed with a court injunction, anti-casino advocates are trying to force their initiative question onto this year's state ballot.

Repeal the Casino Deal had filed its petition, which would ban casino gambling in Massachusetts, back in early August. But Attorney General Martha Coakley won't allow it on the 2014 ballot.

Coakley ruled the group's petition was unconstitutional. According to Coakley's decision, the implied contracts between the gaming commission and the license applicants is considered property under state law. And state law says a ballot initiative cannot result in the forfeiture of private property.

Casino opponents disagree with that interpretation, and filed an injunction with the courts, which will allow them to proceed while the matter is resolved, according to boston.com.


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