Massachusetts Casino Foes Fight Ballot Question Ruling

Casino gambling foes have gone to court in an effort to keep alive a proposed statewide ballot question that would repeal the 2011 state law that allows up to three casinos and one slots parlor in Massachusetts.

Attorney General Martha Coakley disqualified the ballot initiative last week, ruling that it could violate the state constitution by resulting in the uncompensated taking of property from casino developers. The group "Repeal the Casino Deal" said it was seeking an injunction in Suffolk Superior Court to overturn Coakley's decision.

John Ribeiro, who chairs the group, said Massachusetts residents should not be denied an opportunity to vote on whether it wants to reject the gambling industry.