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Gay Marriage Ban Passes 1st Step in Mass.
By JENNIFER PETER
BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Legislature gave final approval - for this year - to a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage but legalize civil unions, taking the first decisive step toward stripping same-sex couples of court-mandated marriage rights.
Within moments of Monday's 105-92 vote, Gov. Mitt Romney said he would ask the state's highest court to delay implementation of its November ruling that ordered same-sex marriages to begin taking place as of May 17. He said he will seek a formal stay until the constitutional amendment process is complete.
The vote, which must be affirmed again during the next two-year session and by voters in the fall of 2006, completes the Legislature's action on gay marriage for the year.
Without action from the court, Monday's decision will not affect the May 17 deadline.
If the amendment is approved by voters, Massachusetts would join Vermont in offering same-sex couples the chance to join in civil unions.
The amendment's approval brought a roar from activists on both sides of the debate, who packed the Statehouse to watch the proceedings. Neither side was happy with the outcome.
``I believe many of them are going to feel very ashamed of what they've just done today,'' said Arline Isaacson of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus.
Many conservatives also opposed the solution, arguing that it requires citizens to vote on two very different questions - a gay marriage ban and legalization of civil unions - with one vote.
``We are giving the people a false choice,'' said state Rep. Vinny deMacedo, a Republican. ``We're saying, 'No problem, you can vote to define marriage as between a man and a woman, but the only way you can do it is if you create civil unions that are entirely the same as marriage.' Ultimately, if this ever makes it to the ballot, it will fail.''
The proposal specifies that civil unions would not grant federal benefits to gay couples.
Supporters of the measure argued that it was the best possible solution.
``There is no single clear solution to this issue,'' said Senate Minority Leader Brian Lees. ``If there was such a solution, we wouldn't be here today. But this amendment attempts to strike a balance between those citizens who want to be heard in defining marriage yet never taking away the rights and benefits of gay and lesbian couples.''
The legislative vote came in the third round of a constitutional convention on the contentious issue. Competing cries of ``Jesus Christ'' and ``Equal Rights'' shook the Statehouse as backers and opponents of same-sex marriage filled the hallways.
The debate in Massachusetts has unfolded as mayors across the country permitted unsanctioned gay weddings in their cities. No other state recognizes gay marriages.
All 200 seats of the Legislature are up for election this fall, and lawmakers will have to defend their votes on the contentious social issue.
03/29/04 19:16
© 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.
I still don't think it's fair!!!! :rl: Fight for your rights to be equal as straight couples!!!
By JENNIFER PETER
BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts Legislature gave final approval - for this year - to a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage but legalize civil unions, taking the first decisive step toward stripping same-sex couples of court-mandated marriage rights.
Within moments of Monday's 105-92 vote, Gov. Mitt Romney said he would ask the state's highest court to delay implementation of its November ruling that ordered same-sex marriages to begin taking place as of May 17. He said he will seek a formal stay until the constitutional amendment process is complete.
The vote, which must be affirmed again during the next two-year session and by voters in the fall of 2006, completes the Legislature's action on gay marriage for the year.
Without action from the court, Monday's decision will not affect the May 17 deadline.
If the amendment is approved by voters, Massachusetts would join Vermont in offering same-sex couples the chance to join in civil unions.
The amendment's approval brought a roar from activists on both sides of the debate, who packed the Statehouse to watch the proceedings. Neither side was happy with the outcome.
``I believe many of them are going to feel very ashamed of what they've just done today,'' said Arline Isaacson of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus.
Many conservatives also opposed the solution, arguing that it requires citizens to vote on two very different questions - a gay marriage ban and legalization of civil unions - with one vote.
``We are giving the people a false choice,'' said state Rep. Vinny deMacedo, a Republican. ``We're saying, 'No problem, you can vote to define marriage as between a man and a woman, but the only way you can do it is if you create civil unions that are entirely the same as marriage.' Ultimately, if this ever makes it to the ballot, it will fail.''
The proposal specifies that civil unions would not grant federal benefits to gay couples.
Supporters of the measure argued that it was the best possible solution.
``There is no single clear solution to this issue,'' said Senate Minority Leader Brian Lees. ``If there was such a solution, we wouldn't be here today. But this amendment attempts to strike a balance between those citizens who want to be heard in defining marriage yet never taking away the rights and benefits of gay and lesbian couples.''
The legislative vote came in the third round of a constitutional convention on the contentious issue. Competing cries of ``Jesus Christ'' and ``Equal Rights'' shook the Statehouse as backers and opponents of same-sex marriage filled the hallways.
The debate in Massachusetts has unfolded as mayors across the country permitted unsanctioned gay weddings in their cities. No other state recognizes gay marriages.
All 200 seats of the Legislature are up for election this fall, and lawmakers will have to defend their votes on the contentious social issue.
03/29/04 19:16
© 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.
I still don't think it's fair!!!! :rl: Fight for your rights to be equal as straight couples!!!
