Massachusetts lawmakers reject effort to reach compromise on gay marriage

[NewJerseyDem]

http://www.boston.com/news/daily/11/samesex_marriage.htm

By Jennifer Peter, Associated Press, 02/11/2004

Massachusetts lawmakers shot down an attempted compromise amendment that sought to legalize civil unions but ban gay marriage -- leaving open the possibility of either an outright ban without any benefits for same-sex couples or letting the state's constitution remain intact.

The Legislature ended more than six hours of debate by rejecting a second proposed amendment, leaving the outcome of the constitutional convention in flux. It was scheduled to reconvene Thursday at noon.

The bipartisan proposal, which was rejected by a 104-94 margin at the historic constitutional convention, was crafted by Senate leaders who wished to overturn a high court decision legalizing gay marriage while still extending equal benefits to gay couples.

[LeftCoast]

1. Anyone know the mechanics of how ammendments work in MA?

104-94 sounds close, but not if they need a 3/4 majority to pass an ammendment.

[Donkeyboy75]

2. I think i just read

that they have to have a majority in two consecutive legislative sessions...but not a 2/3 or 3/4 majority.

[shawmut]

3. they need 101 votes