Massachusetts Democrats back same-sex marriage resolution

[davidinalameda]

http://www.advocate.com/new_news.asp?ID=11149&sd=01/30/04

Leaders of the Massachusetts Democratic Party voted to back a resolution supporting same-sex civil marriage, just two weeks before lawmakers are scheduled to decide on a proposed constitutional amendment to ban it. The nonbinding voice vote, taken Thursday by a majority of approximately 200 members of the state committee, ignores deep divisions within the party on the issue.

But state party chairman Philip Johnston said it sends the message that "we support protecting the rights of these individuals, and I think most of the rest of the state will support us."

The committee also unanimously backed a resolution opposing the constitutional amendment and any other attempt to amend the constitution to discriminate against same-sex couples. Arline Isaacson, cochair of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus, said the vote is a significant move for Democrats, adding that it "doesn't mean all Democrats have to personally like gay marriage, but they should not discriminate."

[stepnw1f]

1. One of my dearest...

friends is gay and my sister whom I respect and love is gay. I will fight to the end to make sure her and his freedom for civil marriage are protected.

[schultzee]

2. Bush will make this one of his main issues in 2004 and rally

his enormous fundamentalist support group. I am for same sex civil ceramony, but I hate to see it as an issue now, and I know that Rove Bush will make the most of it.

[trapper914]

3. Hats off to the Mass Dems

Brass balls, and it sends a message to the Mass. legislature..."don't even try that amendment crap."