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Mass. Upholds Gay Marriage

Lawmakers reject call to give voters final say; issue won't face ballot box in '08

By Ben Worthen, Newser User

Posted Jun 15, 2007 7:27 AM CDT

(Newser) – Gay couples in Massachussetts scored a major victory yesterday, after state legislators threw out a proposed constitutional amendment that would have put gay marriage to a popular vote. The proposed ban was defeated 151-45, only 5 votes short of the 50 necessary to place the issue on a statewide ballot in 2008.

Opponents have challenged Massachusetts' first-in-the-nation gay marriage law since the initial 2004 court decision. Even today's vote—in a Democratic state with a Democratic legislature—was far from assured. "I can tell you right now that we did not know at 5 minutes to 1, when I went into the chamber, what the vote would be," said Senate prez Therese Murray.

Diane Steele, 52, of Richmond, Mass., is arrested by Boston Police after Massachusetts lawmakers voted to kill a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage at the Statehouse in Boston, Thursday,... (Associated Press)

Greg Kimball, center left, of Manchester, Mass., and his partner of five months, Brian O'Connor celebrate after Massachusetts lawmakers voted to kill a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage... (Associated Press)

Greg Kimball, left, of Manchester, Mass., and his partner of five months, Brian O'Connor hug as they celebrate after Massachusetts lawmakers voted to kill a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay... (Associated Press)

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Mass. Upholds Gay Marriage

Lawmakers reject call to give voters final say; issue won't face ballot box in '08

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More Newser Stories

62% of US Backs Same-Sex Unions

And younger generation is much more likely to support gay marriage: poll

North Carolina Approves Ban on Gay Marriage

Amendment to state's constitution passes

Mass. City to Pay Stipend to Married Gay Workers

Because gay couples face a tax heterosexual couples don't

Holder Bars Deportation of Gay Man in Civil Union

With DOMA in question, Eric Holder wants case reviewed

Hawaii Governor Signs Civil Unions Into Law

Becomes 7th state to recognize legal status

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