Same-Sex Marriage Amendment to Enter Massachusetts State House Again

Massachusetts lawmakers are set to meet in a special session Wednesday called a Constitutional Convention proposing an amendment to ban same sex marriage in the only state that allows it.

To approve a proposed amendment in Massachusetts is a two step process, with this measure gaining preliminary approval in January. This amendment is citizen based which means it only needs 50 votes in the joint session with the House and the Senate to go through to voters next year. In January, the proposal received 132 votes opposed to, and 61votes in favor of the amendment, well over what was needed to advance to the next stage.

The proposed amendment was brought on by a signature getting campaign by conservative groups. The campaign brought in more signatures than needed, which sent the amendment to the Constitutional Convention.

Lawmakers have adjourned twice before voting on this amendment. Had this happened in January, according to 365gay.com, the amendment would have died, sending the conservative groups on another signature getting campaign to try and start the entire process all over again. The second signature campaign would be an attempt to try and place the amendment before voters in 2010.

How the proposed amendment will fare on Wednesday is unknown, as many lawmakers are calling for an adjournment, saying that the matter should not be dealt with until the legislature takes a look at the state budget and deal with that issue promptly.

365gay.com says Senate Majority Leader Fred Berry (D) said Tuesday he expects lawmakers to enter the Constitutional Convention and immediately recess until June. Gay and Lesbian advocates say they are tired, both of the uncertainty and because nothing seems to be done about the matter. They just want something done, and done quickly. They just want to keep their rights.

However, LGBT advocates are not the only ones calling for a vote. The Coalition for Marriage & Family is also calling for a vote; they are big supporters of the amendment.

Democratic Governor Deval Patrick opposes the amendment, as does Senate President Therese Murray (D), but sources are saying she will not use her power to prevent a vote, but will work with state gay and lesbian civil rights groups to defeat the measure as best as possible.

Both supporters and opponents to the amendment are calling in their troops to lobby during the Constitutional Convention. Many expect this to result in large rallies during the convention.