Gay marriage stays legal in Massachusetts. Lawmakers blocked a proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage from reaching voters. The 45-151 vote means Massachusetts remains the only state in the nation that allows same-sex couples to marry. This is a stunning victory for gay rights and supporters of marriage equality.
EDGE, Boston's weekly LGBT newspaper, describes the scene: "As the tally was announced, the halls of the Statehouse erupted in cheers and applause from supporters of gay marriage gathered outside the House chambers."
"In Massachusetts today, the freedom to marry is secure," said a victorious Gov. Deval Patrick, who had lobbied lawmakers up until the final hours to kill the measure. Here is minute-by-minute diary of the vote.
"We’re proud of our state today, and we applaud the Legislature for showing that Massachusetts is strongly behind fairness,’’ said Lee Swislow, executive director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders.
Today's defeat after more than three years of sometimes wrenching debate could prove insurmountable. Any effort to mount a new ballot question would take years at a time political support in Massachusetts is swinging firmly behind gay marriage.
No Gay Marriage Vote in Mass. [NYT]
Anti-Gay Marriage Vote Defeated [Bay Windows]
MA Keeps Gay Marriage Ban From Voters [Edge]
Some Background:
Deval Patrick to March in Gay Pride [R20]
Patrick Vows to Protect Same-Sex Marriage [R20]
Governor Warns Anti-Gay Ballot Will Create "Circus" [R20]
Victory in Massachusetts [R20]
Deval Patrick Wins Massachusetts {R20]
Patrick: Clinton Wrong on DOMA [R20]
Parick Wins Nomination {R20]
Mass. Governor Candidate Blasts Rival [R20]
Mass. Court Will Hear Romney's Case [R20]
Even though I hate all things Boston and root against every team from there, I am proud of Massachusetts!
Posted by: DFS | 14 June 2007 at 16:17
This man is amazing! Love him.
Posted by: anon | 24 June 2007 at 03:17