LCR Praises Defeat of Marriage Ban in Massachusettes
Joint Session of Legislature Rejects Proposal by Vote of 45 to 151 ( Washington , DC ) – Log Cabin Republicans praise the resounding defeat of a proposed constitutional ban on civil marriage for same-sex couples in Massachusetts . “After three years with marriage equality in Massachusetts , families in the Bay State are stronger and more secure,” said Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon . “Lawmakers made the right decision by blocking this attempt to write discrimination into the constitution.”
This vote in a joint session of the state house and senate eliminates any chance that a proposed constitutional ban on marriage rights for same-sex couples will appear on the ballot in November 2008. “This is a huge victory for the voices of freedom and fairness,” said Sammon. “Americans have watched as democracy has played out in the first state in the nation to allow committed same-sex couples the right to marry. The rights, responsibilities, and protections that come with a civil marriage license cannot be replicated and are incredibly valuable to all families.”
“Allowing committed same-sex couples the right to marry is a conservative viewpoint,” said Sammon. “This is a good day for Americans and a good day for all those who believe in true conservative principles. Nothing is more important than family—and today, Massachusetts families will continue to have the basic protections they deserve.” In January, 62 state lawmakers voted for the amendment. Supporters of the amendment needed only 50 votes today for passage. Opponents of marriage equality face an uphill battle to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot—their next opportunity is not until 2012.
[NOTE-4 out of 19 House Republicans voted no, including Minority Leader Bradley Jones and Representatives Brad Hill, Paul Loscocco and Richard Ross. 3 out of 5 Senate Republicans voted no, including Minority Leader Richard Tisei and Senators Michael Knapik and Bruce Tarr. They provided the margin of victory.]