Compromise on Gay Marriage Ban Rejected

MilitaryGirl83 · 02-11-2004, 09:47 PM

Compromise on Gay Marriage Ban Rejected
By JENNIFER PETER

BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Legislature narrowly rejected a compromise proposal Wednesday that sought to legalize civil unions but ban same-sex marriages, delivering a setback to lawmakers who wanted to avoid taking the divisive issue head-on.

The defeat of the compromise means that lawmakers will return to the Statehouse on Thursday to consider either an outright ban on gay marriage or letting the state's constitution remain intact.

The joint House and Senate session adjourned for the evening about 8:30 p.m. after about six hours of debate.

The bipartisan proposal was crafted by Senate leaders who wished to overturn a high court decision legalizing gay marriage while still extending equal benefits to gay couples. It was rejected 104-94.

The compromise would have made Vermont-style civil unions automatically legal in Massachusetts in November 2006, the earliest an amendment could be placed on a ballot for voter approval. At that time, any gay couples married in Massachusetts would be stripped of their licenses and considered part of a civil union.

Massachusetts was thrust into the epicenter of the national gay marriage debate in November when the Supreme Judicial Court ruled 4-3 that that it was unconstitutional to bar same-sex couples from marriage.

The court definitively reaffirmed the decision last week, clearing the way for the first state-recognized gay marriages in U.S. history to start taking place in May.

Rep. Philip Travis, a Democrat who sponsored the original ban on gay marriage, said the compromise proposal would have asked voters to decide on two potentially conflicting initiatives - a ban on gay marriage and the legalization of civil unions - with one vote.

``It goes beyond what the people wish to vote on,'' Travis said. ``It is almost like offering a true-false question. How do you respond by voting yes or no at the ballot box?''

People from across the country were confronted with tight security and a throng of reporters as the lawmakers entered the volatile national debate over gay rights.

Impromptu rallies erupted outside the two-century-old building, and hundreds of people lined both sides of the street, holding signs, waving flags and eliciting honks from passing cars.

The chants broke out spontaneously in pockets up and down the street, and included, ``Hey hey, ho ho homophobia's got to go.'' Others chanted, ``Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve,'' or held signs that read ``Civil Unions = Sitting on the Back of the Bus.''

State police had to separate two crowds inside the Statehouse who began pushing and shoving after one group unfurled an American flag across from the chamber and began chanting ``One Man. One Woman. Let the People Vote.'' Moments later, a contingent of gay marriage backers arrived shouting ``Equality Now.''

At one point, dozens of opponents of gay marriage knelt and prayed amid the din.

The debate began with consideration of an unexpected amendment, proposed at the last minute by House Speaker Thomas Finneran, that would ban gay marriage but allow the Legislature to adopt civil unions.

After two hours of debate and accusations that the Democratic speaker was trying to hijack the process, that amendment was shot down by a 100-98 vote.

Debate then turned to the Senate compromise, which suffered the same fate.

In arguing against the gay-marriage ban, Sen. Dianne Wilkerson drew upon her experience as a black woman growing up in Arkansas, where the hospital did not allow her mother to deliver her children.

``I know the pain of being less than equal and I cannot and will not impose that status on anyone else,'' a teary-eyed Wilkerson said. ``I could not in good conscience ever vote to send anyone to that place from which my family fled.''

Supporters of a ban called for the Legislature to respect 3,000 years of tradition.

``Every society, every culture, every nation in all of recorded history, including Massachusetts, has up until this point at least defined marriage as one man and one woman,'' Finneran said.

The Legislature is tightly controlled by the Democrats, who hold 169 of the 199 seats. (One seat is vacant.) The Legislature is also heavily Roman Catholic.

The votes will force lawmakers to finally declare their stand on a divisive social issue that most would prefer to avoid, especially with all 200 legislative seats up for grabs at the November elections.

If gay marriage takes place in Massachusetts, federal lawsuits would probably ensue as gay couples seek recognition in other states and by the federal government. While marriages performed in one state are normally recognized in other jurisdictions, 38 states and the federal government have approved laws or amendments barring the recognition of gay marriage.

In California, a state lawmaker plans to introduce legislation this week that would legalize gay marriage in that state.

02/11/04 21:20

© Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

sablescort · 02-11-2004, 10:03 PM

We have to remember one thing.......the pols are walking on a very tight rope regarding the gay marriage thing.

It could either make or destroy a career for a politician over this thing.

This will be a hot-button issue for the 2004 Presidential elections and other elections.

***VamPyroX*** · 02-12-2004, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sablescort

We have to remember one thing.......the pols are walking on a very tight rope regarding the gay marriage thing.

It could either make or destroy a career for a politician over this thing.

This will be a hot-button issue for the 2004 Presidential elections and other elections.

You're right. The rate of gays/lesbians is going faster than the rate of minorities. Soon, we'll be outnumbered by gays/lesbians... then our politicians would definitely have to approve these marriages if they want their votes!

javapride · 02-12-2004, 12:40 AM

So true sable!, and as far as im concern i do hope they actually FIGHT harder to ensure this law stays right there and not get repealed and banned!

Kalista · 02-12-2004, 09:03 AM

Quote:

The court definitively reaffirmed the decision last week, clearing the way for the first state-recognized gay marriages in U.S. history to start taking place in May.

I wonder why State of Massachusetts would be the first history to establish a new law for Gay Marriage ?

I always thought State of California and Vermont have already a law for the Gay marriage but I was wrong. :confuse:

I was not update to pay attention those news about Gay Marriage lately.

Lasza · 02-12-2004, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabrina

I wonder why State of Massachusetts would be the first history to establish a new law for Gay Marriage ?

I always thought State of California and Vermont have already a law for the Gay marriage but I was wrong. :confuse:

I was not update to pay attention those news about Gay Marriage lately.

You are not only one. Same with others who confuse with the laws.

State of CA, VT, and HI are just civil union that which not really legal marriage. None of any State have marriage laws for GLBT yet. Hopefully, STate of Mass will become first state in no time.

Liza · 02-12-2004, 11:02 AM

The Netherlands or Denmark seem to be the only country to allow full marriage rights to gay and lesbians. Civil unions are different, just one step below.

(added note) Oh right, Canada just recently joined that list.

I know they are debating that in Norway now... even though we have civil union for the whole country.

Christian Democrats under fire for avoiding homosexual question

Minister of Culture and Church Affairs Valgerd Svarstad Haugland came under heavy fire during question time in Norway's parliament after arguing that the Norwegian Missionary Association's desire to deny homosexuals membership was a theological issue. Party colleague and health minister Dagfinn Hoeybraaten, who has just taken over leadership of the Christian Democrat Party from Haugland, has not commented on the NMA's stance. More at:
http://www.aftenposten.no/english/lo...ticleID=723615

02-12-2004, 11:11 AM

Actually Vermont is the only state that performs civil unions. As for countries that permit full marriage, they are Ontario and British Columbia in Canada, Netherlands and Belgium.

Lasza · 02-12-2004, 12:16 PM

If State of Mass pass the law for allow gay marriage. It will affect another 38 states with banned gay marriage laws.

38 State with banned gay marriage
1 State with processing to have gay marriage laws.
11 State with undecide or not pass the lawsy to adopt Gay marriage.

Not mention about DC and US Terrorities.

Cheri · 02-12-2004, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lasza

If State of Mass pass the law for allow gay marriage. It will affect another 38 states with banned gay marriage laws.

38 State with banned gay marriage
1 State with processing to have gay marriage laws.
11 State with undecide or not pass the lawsy to adopt Gay marriage.

Not mention about DC and US Terrorities.

Hi Lasza,,,

Can U give me the names of the States that already banned gay marriage...and what the One state processing to have gay marriage laws and the other 11 states with undecide can u be able to tell me all the names of the state if possible? Thanks

Lasza · 02-12-2004, 12:28 PM

What States Have Anti-Gay Marriage Laws

There u go, Cheri. hope it help you to get knowledge.

Cheri · 02-12-2004, 12:33 PM

Thank you Lasza It does Helps

02-11-2004, 09:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
MilitaryGirl83 ~I support our troops~ Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: My heart belongs to the beach~ Posts: 3,548	Compromise on Gay Marriage Ban Rejected Compromise on Gay Marriage Ban Rejected By JENNIFER PETER BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Legislature narrowly rejected a compromise proposal Wednesday that sought to legalize civil unions but ban same-sex marriages, delivering a setback to lawmakers who wanted to avoid taking the divisive issue head-on. The defeat of the compromise means that lawmakers will return to the Statehouse on Thursday to consider either an outright ban on gay marriage or letting the state's constitution remain intact. The joint House and Senate session adjourned for the evening about 8:30 p.m. after about six hours of debate. The bipartisan proposal was crafted by Senate leaders who wished to overturn a high court decision legalizing gay marriage while still extending equal benefits to gay couples. It was rejected 104-94. The compromise would have made Vermont-style civil unions automatically legal in Massachusetts in November 2006, the earliest an amendment could be placed on a ballot for voter approval. At that time, any gay couples married in Massachusetts would be stripped of their licenses and considered part of a civil union. Massachusetts was thrust into the epicenter of the national gay marriage debate in November when the Supreme Judicial Court ruled 4-3 that that it was unconstitutional to bar same-sex couples from marriage. The court definitively reaffirmed the decision last week, clearing the way for the first state-recognized gay marriages in U.S. history to start taking place in May. Rep. Philip Travis, a Democrat who sponsored the original ban on gay marriage, said the compromise proposal would have asked voters to decide on two potentially conflicting initiatives - a ban on gay marriage and the legalization of civil unions - with one vote. ``It goes beyond what the people wish to vote on,'' Travis said. ``It is almost like offering a true-false question. How do you respond by voting yes or no at the ballot box?'' People from across the country were confronted with tight security and a throng of reporters as the lawmakers entered the volatile national debate over gay rights. Impromptu rallies erupted outside the two-century-old building, and hundreds of people lined both sides of the street, holding signs, waving flags and eliciting honks from passing cars. The chants broke out spontaneously in pockets up and down the street, and included, ``Hey hey, ho ho homophobia's got to go.'' Others chanted, ``Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve,'' or held signs that read ``Civil Unions = Sitting on the Back of the Bus.'' State police had to separate two crowds inside the Statehouse who began pushing and shoving after one group unfurled an American flag across from the chamber and began chanting ``One Man. One Woman. Let the People Vote.'' Moments later, a contingent of gay marriage backers arrived shouting ``Equality Now.'' At one point, dozens of opponents of gay marriage knelt and prayed amid the din. The debate began with consideration of an unexpected amendment, proposed at the last minute by House Speaker Thomas Finneran, that would ban gay marriage but allow the Legislature to adopt civil unions. After two hours of debate and accusations that the Democratic speaker was trying to hijack the process, that amendment was shot down by a 100-98 vote. Debate then turned to the Senate compromise, which suffered the same fate. In arguing against the gay-marriage ban, Sen. Dianne Wilkerson drew upon her experience as a black woman growing up in Arkansas, where the hospital did not allow her mother to deliver her children. ``I know the pain of being less than equal and I cannot and will not impose that status on anyone else,'' a teary-eyed Wilkerson said. ``I could not in good conscience ever vote to send anyone to that place from which my family fled.'' Supporters of a ban called for the Legislature to respect 3,000 years of tradition. ``Every society, every culture, every nation in all of recorded history, including Massachusetts, has up until this point at least defined marriage as one man and one woman,'' Finneran said. The Legislature is tightly controlled by the Democrats, who hold 169 of the 199 seats. (One seat is vacant.) The Legislature is also heavily Roman Catholic. The votes will force lawmakers to finally declare their stand on a divisive social issue that most would prefer to avoid, especially with all 200 legislative seats up for grabs at the November elections. If gay marriage takes place in Massachusetts, federal lawsuits would probably ensue as gay couples seek recognition in other states and by the federal government. While marriages performed in one state are normally recognized in other jurisdictions, 38 states and the federal government have approved laws or amendments barring the recognition of gay marriage. In California, a state lawmaker plans to introduce legislation this week that would legalize gay marriage in that state. 02/11/04 21:20 © Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. __________________ ~My Heart is taken by a soldier~ <3 <3 <3

02-11-2004, 10:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
sablescort E=mc2 for Obama! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Found my way back home to Knoxville...heh! Posts: 2,695	We have to remember one thing.......the pols are walking on a very tight rope regarding the gay marriage thing. It could either make or destroy a career for a politician over this thing. This will be a hot-button issue for the 2004 Presidential elections and other elections. __________________ "Organized money hates me--and I welcome their hatred." - Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) "I never gave anybody hell! I just told the truth and they thought it was hell." <--Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) Obama: FDR for the 21st Century...Bring on the New Deal II!

02-12-2004, 11:02 AM	#7 (permalink)
Liza Cranial protocologist Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St Augustine, FL Posts: 3,923 Blog Entries: 2	The Netherlands or Denmark seem to be the only country to allow full marriage rights to gay and lesbians. Civil unions are different, just one step below. (added note) Oh right, Canada just recently joined that list. I know they are debating that in Norway now... even though we have civil union for the whole country. Christian Democrats under fire for avoiding homosexual question Minister of Culture and Church Affairs Valgerd Svarstad Haugland came under heavy fire during question time in Norway's parliament after arguing that the Norwegian Missionary Association's desire to deny homosexuals membership was a theological issue. Party colleague and health minister Dagfinn Hoeybraaten, who has just taken over leadership of the Christian Democrat Party from Haugland, has not commented on the NMA's stance. More at: http://www.aftenposten.no/english/lo...ticleID=723615 __________________ Last edited by Liza; 02-12-2004 at 11:44 AM.

02-12-2004, 12:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
Cheri Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 20,755	Thank you Lasza It does Helps __________________

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02-12-2004, 12:40 AM	#4 (permalink)
javapride Java's Big Island Life! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: hawaii Posts: 6,509	So true sable!, and as far as im concern i do hope they actually FIGHT harder to ensure this law stays right there and not get repealed and banned!

02-12-2004, 11:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
kuifje75 Guest Posts: n/a	Actually Vermont is the only state that performs civil unions. As for countries that permit full marriage, they are Ontario and British Columbia in Canada, Netherlands and Belgium.

02-12-2004, 12:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
Lasza Premium Lurker Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Mile High State Posts: 2,510	If State of Mass pass the law for allow gay marriage. It will affect another 38 states with banned gay marriage laws. 38 State with banned gay marriage 1 State with processing to have gay marriage laws. 11 State with undecide or not pass the lawsy to adopt Gay marriage. Not mention about DC and US Terrorities.

02-12-2004, 12:28 PM	#11 (permalink)
Lasza Premium Lurker Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Mile High State Posts: 2,510	What States Have Anti-Gay Marriage Laws There u go, Cheri. hope it help you to get knowledge.