Gay Marriage Ban Can Go on Ballot (Massachusetts)

[Meeker Morgan]

Court: Gay Marriage Ban Can Go on Ballot

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060710/D8IPBVS00.html

BOSTON (AP) - The same court that made Massachusetts the first state to legalize same-sex marriage ruled Monday that a proposal for a constitutional amendment that could ban future gay marriages can move forward.

The ruling came on a lawsuit brought by gay-rights supporters who argued that Attorney General Tom Reilly was wrong to certify the question because the state's constitution bars any citizen-initiated amendment that seeks to reverse a judicial ruling.

The Supreme Judicial Court rejected that argument, paving the way for the state Legislature to take up the question during a constitutional convention Wednesday. The question would have to be approved by two consecutive legislative sessions before it could be placed on the 2008 ballot. Supporters need to win the votes of 50 lawmakers - 25 percent of the Legislature - in both sessions.

--- snip ---

OK Massachusetts folks. What's your prognosis if it stays on the ballot?

How do you think it will go?

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. My guess is the ban will be passed if it gets to the voters.

I sense a lot of voters are against these marriages. It's as if everything else in this state is taking a back seat to this one issue.

[NMMNG]

3. As far as the fundies are concerned

Gay marriage/gay rights and abortion are the only issues in the world.

Recommended Reading

[Occulus]

4. They just will never leave it alone, will they?

Even if a Constitutional Amendment were passed, they would push for its repeal until it was repealed.

They hate us. They don't want to tolerate us. They, deep inside, would like to see us come to harm. Every last one of us, regardless of what we do- or, because of their actions, only try to do- with our lives.

Given that, we need to push for a national ban on divorce. "Till death do us part" is not negotiable.

[jackpan1260]

10. Yes, they do indeed hate us.

That is why I could never vote for even the most moderate Republican. They enable these people.

[election_2004]

8. How is the ban worded?

Does it just outlaw same-sex marriage in MA, or is it also worded to preclude any system of civil unions?

[Siyahamba]

2. There may be popular support for marriage equality

But don't forget, supporters tend not to bother voting.

[ThatsMyBarack]

5. Fundies think....

....banning gay marriage and abortion are much more important than instating universal health care and hurricane relief efforts. Do I have that about right! :mad:

[meegbear]

6. The vote has been postponed until November ...

after the elections. They had 20 items to cover and the amendment was the last one, so they put it off.

[Meeker Morgan]

7. Update: Here's a particularly mendacious RW article on it ...

... to get your blood boiling.

http://mensnewsdaily.com/2006/07/13/mass-stupidity/

See what they are trying to set up? :mad:

[zcflint09]

9. apparently...

the "rapture" is coming, so we probably won't need to be too concerned. by the time the vote rolls around, all narrow-minded bigots will be gone, and we'll be driving thier cars.