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."
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.