Massachusetts is the only one of our 50 states to allow gay marriage. That could be in jeopardy.
An anti-gay marriage amendment took a step toward being placed on the 2008 ballot after enough state legislators voted in favor of doing so. The next legislative session must still endorse the amendment for this to happen.
During a break in the proceedings at the State House today, I talked with people on both sides of the issue who'd come to watch.
"The majority of Massachusetts residents fully supports marriage equality for gays and lesbians in the state," said Julie Verratti, a field organizer and canvass director for MassEquality. "In every single state across the country, except Arizona in 2006, when there's been gay marriage on the ballot, they've failed to protect families when people voted."
The Rev. Roberto Miranda, the chairman of VoteOnMarriage who was a plaintiff in two lawsuits against gay marriage, said, "We're convinced we're on the right side ... We're compelled by our convictions to stay until the last minute."
Verratti and Miranda expressed differing views on the role of Gov. Mitt Romney in all this.
"I think everyone understands Mitt Romney is trying to run for president," Verratti said. "He's doing whatever he can to position himself as being more conservative."
Miranda said, "I think (Romney's) been absolutely key. He's provided us with the support of a key member of government on behalf of our amendment. He's given us moral support."
Reader Comments ( Page 2 of 3)
16. Eve,
I supopose you are gay, by the comments that you have. You are probably an ok person, but very confused about your sexuality. And, confused about the history of the creation of laws. Laws are created based on Judeo-Christian values, many of which ae taken from the Bible. You're right, the Church does not run the government. That's one of ther reasons our forefathers fled England, for freedom of religion. But, again, you are wrong. The Bible, the set of laws written for the Church, CAN tell who individuals can and cannot marry. Any deviation is a decision to disobey the laws of the Church.
Joe at 3:57PM on Jan 3rd 2007
17. Bill,
This country is the farthest from a theocracy than any other in the world. You have a poor excuse for justifying same sex marriage.
Joe at 5:16PM on Jan 3rd 2007
18. Mitt Romney .....Did you know that it is now NOT cool to try to cash in on the gay marriage thing. Bless you for trying....it gives us democrats even more leverage!
Frank at 6:35PM on Jan 3rd 2007
19. Ask all the Bible thumpers what Jesus said about homosexuality. Absolutely nothing!!! If you want to follow the laws of Leviticus quit picking and choosing. You are not supposed to wear clothing made from two different cloths, not touch a woman when she is on her period and stone adulterers. If you want to live in a theocracy move to Iraq.
bill at 11:09PM on Jan 3rd 2007
20. M. Chandler, perhaps you could please explain to me when being born with a certain set of genetics became immoral and agiant the word of God? Honestly, gay marriage as an "abomination"? The real abomination here is the fact that M. Chandler can say that gay marrige is the cause of teen violence and cuases them to be "screwed up". It seems to me, that teens would be a lot less "Screwed up" if they grew up in a world which respected thier opioning and feelings, even if they may contradict the societal norm. I am a heterosexual, practicing Catholic from Massachusetts who believes strongly in the right if all people to enjoy marriage and find any views utilizing Biblical references dated, close minded, and, frankly, ignorant. What makes this hateful, religous point of view any different from the viewpoints of relious terrorists in the middle east?
Kate at 9:12AM on Jan 4th 2007
21. Did you know that Rams are about 10% gay, really male sheep(rams) have gay tendencies and will try to have sex with other Rams. about the same percentage in humans..huh! But there is hope scientists have been able to alter the gene that promotes gay tendencies in Rams so that they will have sex with all those lonely sheep! Isnt science great, any way I think everyone should have the right to drive a Hummer and let our goveremnt pay for it, but it doesnt matter what I want, it is about the people expressing their beliefs. We are the fourth branch of goverment and we make laws that should reflect the belief of the populace which is governed; and last time I checked no one was sneaking out of the country...hummm! By the way trying being gay under a theocracy like the ones in the middle east, see how far you can go. Have a nice life and God bless.
Francesco at 10:05AM on Jan 4th 2007
22. 1 Man + 1 Woman = Marrage & Family
1 Queer + 1 Queer = 2 Queers
Jim at 1:35PM on Jan 4th 2007
23. Chandler: This argument REALLY IS OLD. It is the same arguments used in the 60's regarding interracial marriage. Civil unions would be enough, if civil unions were legal for sae sex couples.
The government should provide civil unions. It is a contract, just like any other contract that the government already controls. Religions should provide marriages. Religion and government do not mix well. That is why America was based on the separation of church and state.
If you want to live under a religious government, I suggest you move to Iran.
http://aquadoc.my-ntc.com/
derek at 10:11PM on Jan 4th 2007
24. Austin, I agree with you completely. Everyone who is against gay marrige is stupid. I'm sorry, but it's true. Not everyone in the world believes in the fairy tale that you call "god" which means that not everyone will say "marrige is holy, blah, blah, blah". This STRONGLY pisses me off. What's it to you if two men are in love with one another and would like to marry and make it official? Why can't you just accept them!? It's none of nayone's business here as to why two women can't go walking down the street holding hands and kissing without being stared down because of where their hearts are! This is stupid. If you do not support gay marrige then don't marry the asme sex. Just leave my people along and let them chose whatever they want. It doesn't hurt you, it hurts them. Innocent people, innocent lovers. Why can't you narrow-minded morons see that?
Anyone have anything else to say then this is my email: rosewolfzero@gmail.com and my web site is: www.myspace.com/miyao so talk to me. I look foward to helping out people who just want their own lives. Leave them alone.
Dabura at 10:49PM on Jan 4th 2007
25. STFU, Jim.
Dabura at 10:50PM on Jan 4th 2007
26. hoHow did we let these sick people get so much power in in America? Only by weak immoral leadership concerned only with themself!
dave at 12:48AM on Jan 5th 2007
27. I've corrected your spelling errors Jim:
26. 1 Man + 1 Woman = 50% divorce
1 Queer + 1 Queer = 1 Family
Jim at 10:49PM on Jan 4th 2007
derek at 2:19AM on Jan 5th 2007
28. TO ALL THOSE WHO RESPONDED TO MY OPINION..THANK YOU. JUST AS YOU THINK MY OPINION IS IGNORANT & STUPID,(AND I RESPECT YOUR OPINION, EVEN IF I DO BELIEVE IT'S NOT MORAL)YOU HAVE A MUCH LARGER TASK INTO PERSUADING MOST PEOPLE IN THIS COUNRTY OF YOURS! I AM NOT A HATER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE GAY(I HATE NO ONE!). ALTHOUGH MY BELIEVE WILL REMAIN AS STATED. IMMORALLITY WILL BECOME THE DESTRUCTION OF MANKIND. IT HAS ALREADY ON MANY LEVELS. I ALSO DO NOT BELIEVE WE CHOOSE WHO WE FALL IN LOVE WITH, WHETHER THAT BE MAN OR WOMAN. I JUST DON'T BELIEVE IN THE MARRIAGE OF TWO PEOPLE OF THE SAME SEX. AS I WON'T CHANGE YOUR VEIW, YOU WILL NOT CHANGE MINE, NO MATTER WHAT NAMES YOU CALL ME.
TO KATE: IF I WASN'T ASSUMING BY YOUR NAME, THAT YOU ARE FEMALE, I WOULD ASK YOU IF YOU WERE A PRIEST?? PRACTICING CATHOLIC?? SCAREY!!
TO DEREK: LEGAL UNION OF TWO PEOPLE OF SAME SEX IS WHAT I SAID SHOULD BE ENOUGH, SAY THEY LEGALIZE THAT. I SAID NOTHING ABOUT A RELIGOUS GOVERNMENT. SO HATS OFF TO YOUR CONTRACT WITH THE GOVERNMENT. AND YES LET'S KEEP MARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH!!
I AM NOT A BIBLE THUMPER, JUST ONE OF THE DWINDLING PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WITH SOME MORAL VALUES.
WE ALL HAVE TO LIVE WITH OUR CHOICES(I HAVE NEVER BEEN PERFECT MYSELF)...WAS JUST SHARING A VEIW FROM ANOTHER SIDE.
HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR...
"WORDS BESPEAK INTENTIONS...ACTIONS EXPRESS CONVICTIONS"
BOTTOM LINE..PUT IT ON THE BALLOT!! ;)
M. CHANDLER
M.CHANDLER at 5:16AM on Jan 6th 2007
29. Perhaps Rusty can enlighten us as to why same-sex marriage is a threat to Western Civilization.
Nicholas at 3:04PM on Jan 7th 2007
30. A couple of years ago while working for a New York based property management company I was sent to Springfield to take back a building that was controlled by drug dealers. The guy and his sister who controlled the entire operation for the south side of Sprinfield lived in our building. My job was to build a relationship with the police. When Mr. Big (and he was, too) figured out who was responsible for a lot of his people getting arrested, he assaulted me. Actually, he came with a gun under his shirt but there were too many witnesses. Remember I said he was big? He taught me how to fly. A policy suggested and signed into law by Mitt Romney said that for me to sign a criminal complaint against this guy, I had to pay $15.00. I had the fifteen dollars but what if the guy killed me. Would there be no justice if some cop picked my pocket and only found twelve fifty? I am a Conservative Republican and I would vote for Hillary in a heart beat if Romney were the only other choice.
W.L. Barton at 9:06PM on Feb 13th 2007