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Highlighting News Stories for Our Town for the week of  March 29, 2003

Previous Newsbreak Archive

Newsbreak for Walpole

The Week – Mar. 29

The Year – 2004

           How to Define Marriage?

On Monday, March 29^th, the Constitutional Convention assembled at the state house and voted by a razor thin margin to approve an amendment to the state constitution that would redefine the legal status of marriage in our commonwealth.

This is an historic moment of great consequences for people in our state and citizens throughout our country. Any action taken to amend the constitution is significant for the future well being of all. In this matter, creating a new concept of marriage and its rights and benefits is huge.

However, this action, taken on March 29^th is but the first of three steps necessary for the amendment to become into being.

Here’s the short history of events.

1.        In October of 2003, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) ruled on a petition that couples of the same sex could not be denied the rights and privileges of marriage. This ruling in effect provided for same sex partners to obtain a license and to exchange vows in a legal ceremony in our state. The SJC provided for a seven-month waiting period to allow for the legislature to concur.

2.        The reaction throughout the state has been enormous with proponents and opponents engaging in controversial discussion and lobbying of state legislators.

3.        The legislature assembled a constitutional convention in February to allow for the consideration of an amendment to the state constitution in this matter.

4.        For the last six weeks, debate has raged everywhere. Amendments to the amendment were offered and debated.

5.        With no clear consensus, either by citizens or legislators, an attempt at a compromise was made.

6.        Finally, the vote was taken and approved (105 – 92) to define marriage as being between one male and one female and to allow for people of the same gender to enter into civil unions.

7.        Now, in 2005, the state must reconvene and consider the amendment anew, voting once more.

8.        Should the amendment pass for the second time, after a one year wait, then the amendment would be put before the voters in 2006 for final consideration.

9.        Thus, an amendment to the state constitution requires considerable effort and time.

Meanwhile, the dust will settle in the debate over same sex unions.