Oklahoma Supreme Court Upholds Wine Initiative Petition

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Supreme Court has narrowly approved an initiative petition that seeks a vote of the people on a proposal to allow grocery stores in Oklahoma's largest counties to sell wine.

In a 5-4 decision Thursday, the court rejected arguments by opponents of the petition that it violates the state and U.S. constitutions.

Among other things, opponents allege the issue would involve multiple subjects in violation of the single-subject rule that applies to constitutional amendments. The rule says ballot initiatives can address just one thing, not several, to avoid misleading voters.

The court also rejected suggestions that the proposal violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution because it would treat similar entities in different and unfair ways.

Supporters want the measure to appear on the November ballot.