BOSTON — The Massachusetts Legislature adjourned its historic constitutional convention Feb. 12 without reversing the state supreme court’s recent legalization of gay “marriage.”
With thousands of protesters gathered outside Feb. 11, legislators began debating legal measures that would limit marriage to heterosexual couples, while perhaps creating a category of civil unions for gays.
But during two tumultuous days of legislative wrangling and emotional debate, legislators were unable to pass any of four proposed amendments.
Lawmakers defeated a constitutional amendment that would have banned gay “marriage.” Another proposal to ban gay “marriage” but create legally binding civil unions for gays also was defeated. In the end, gay “marriage” supporters closed the session down with a filibuster at midnight of the second day, sending lawmakers home without resolving the legislative crisis that has divided the state and thrust it into the national spotlight.
Any constitutional amendment will require approval by voters, and angry gay “marriage” opponents complained the deadlocked legislative session deprived Massachusetts of voicing their opinion on the divisive issue.
Another constitutional session is scheduled for March 11.
(TAB)
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