MA Legislature Gives Preliminary Approval to State Constitutional Amendment Banning Gay Marriage

FNC

[george wythe]

I am convinced this is a defeat for conservatives.

Absolutely.

When Howard Dean gave Vermonters "civil unions" a few years ago, it was considered a radical idea.

Now gay unions are approved by most Americans in recent polls, although using the term gay "marriage" is still considered unpopular.

After a few years of Massachusetts gay marriages, I don't know if the American people will consider the concept as radical as today.

[george wythe]

The simple amendment, simply defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman, was defeated soundly in the joint session of the Legislature.

Yeas 44 - Nays 153

[WOSG]

"After a few years of Massachusetts gay marriages, I don't know if the American people will consider the concept as radical as today."

of course not. This is a slippery slope.

[WOSG]

That's just sad!

I am sure the 'compromise' just let all the RINOs and 'pro-family' Dems to be 'against gay marriage' but for 95% of its effect.

[george wythe]

What did we learn from this huge defeat?

The lesson I take is this. Unless we elect politicians who will appoint strict constructionists to the courts, we will be stuck with judges making new laws from the bench, even handing down de facto constitutional amendments.

If we think that Kerry's nominees and Bush's nominees to the US Supreme Court will be so similar, we will be rudely awaken.

[WOSG]

Indeed.

It takes *huge* political effort just to undo 1/2 of what 4 activist judges did.

[inquest]

That was not a vote on the amendment proposal. From the link: "During consideration, Mr. Kelly of Dalton moved to adjourn the Joint Session, and the question on adjourning the Joint Session was determined by a call of the yeas and nays at a quarter before one o'clock P.M., as follows to wit (Yeas 44 - Nays 153)"

Back in February, the vote on a very similar amendment (no gay marriages, but neutral on the issue of civil unions) was rejected only by two votes.

[inquest]

It takes *huge* political effort just to undo 1/2 of what 4 activist judges did.

All we need is one town - just one town - to refuse to carry out the court's illegal orders on May 17. Then just sit back and watch the fireworks.

[WOSG]

"Back in February, the vote on a very similar amendment (no gay marriages, but neutral on the issue of civil unions) was rejected only by two votes."

Ah, a bit more encouraging, but a bit disappointing they couldnt make it with another 2 votes... But that makes some sense. The gay activists are now in a position where maybe 25% are for gay marriage and about 25% are for civil unions, and 50% for neither. ... so with the courts on their side they can get to at least civil unions.

[King Black Robe]

I agree with you post 36. MA should not enshrine civil unions into their constitution. Very bad move.

[WOSG]

"All we need is one town - just one town - to refuse to carry out the court's illegal orders on May 17. Then just sit back and watch the fireworks."

Uh, that doesnt make sense, all it takes is one town in the state to marry homosexuals and they will flock there. so a town doesnt marry same-sex couples. 99 towns dont marry them. that wont stop them ... rest assured Providencetown *will* marry gays, so they all go out there and do it, and have a 'gay old time'.

[inquest]

Still, it'll drive them nuts, believe me. They don't care if they win only in places where they already congregate. That's not their goal. Their goal is to be in everybody's face everywhere.

[WOSG]

Oh, I agree with that.

Stand for what you believe in, anywhere and anyplace.

But realize a few things. The Gay activists chose the battleground of MA for a reason: Because it was hard to change the constitution there.

They are fighting in Cali because they know they can get at least civil unions and they want to undo what was done in 2000 on this.

They have a very deep, persistent campaign out there.
100,000 gay couples 'raising kids' and demanding tax breaks and every goody we once gave to real married folks.

[george wythe]

You're right.

Thanks for your research.