Mass Constitutional Convention recessed without marriage vote

Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Lawmakers recess Constitutional Convention without gay marriage vote

(John Tlumacki/Globe Staff)

Cathey Goodfellow was one of nearly 400 demonstrators outside the State House today as the Legislature delayed a vote on gay marriage.

By Andrea Estes, Globe Staff

State lawmakers today met in a Constitutional Convention but recessed before voting whether to put an amendment banning same sex marriage on the November 2008 ballot.

Senate President Therese Murray rescheduled the convention for June 14, but it was unclear whether a vote will take place on that date.

Gay rights advocates -- with Murray, House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi and Governor Deval Patrick -- have been lobbying legislators to switch their votes and defeat the amendment, which was approved in January with the support of 62 legislators, 12 more than necessary.

They say they still have to change at least eight legislators' minds.

The measure must be approved in two consecutive legislative sessions.

Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute -- which led the petition drive to put the amendment on the ballot, said he didn't expect a vote to be taken yesterday, but is hoping for one in June.

"The lines are clearly drawn," said Mineau. "We're confident our votes will hold."