[george wythe]

From the link you provided, I found the complete text of the amendment:

"It being the public policy of this Commonwealth to protect the unique relationship of marriage, only the union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Massachusetts. Two persons of the same sex shall have the right to form a civil union, if they meet the requirements set forth by law for marriage.

"Civil unions for same sex couples are established hereunder and shall provide entirely the same benefits, protections, rights and responsibilities that are afforded to couples married under Massachusetts law. All laws applicable to marriage shall also apply to civil unions.

"This article is self-executing, but the General Court may enact laws not inconsistent with anything herein contained to carry out the purpose of this article."

[King Black Robe]

That's like saying you can keep the title to your house but you must give up the house. That's no kind of compromise. In addition, it just puts queer marriage by another name into the constitution. Who are these compromise people? I'd like to do business with them. They give away the farm and think they've won.

[inquest]

Thanks. I must be having a TIA, because I couldn't find that anywhere.

I'll just put on my dunce cap now...

[WOSG]

ouch, that is the compromise version that FORCES Mass to adopt civil unions! what about a version that simply outlaws same-sex marriage and leaves the rest to the lege???

[WOSG]

I am convinced this is a defeat for conservatives.

A victory for Conservatives would have simply said:

"It being the public policy of this Commonwealth to protect the unique relationship of marriage, only the union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Massachusetts. Nothing in this Constitution can be construed to give rights of marriage to same-sex couples."