A Setback for Gay Marriage


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."

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