SSM OPPONENTS FILE NEW BALLOT INITIATIVE IN MASS.: From the Associated Press

Gay marriage opponents filed a ballot initiative with the state on Tuesday that, if passed, would amend the state Constitution to ban gay marriages.

The move, which was expected, casts doubt on the future of another ballot initiative pending in front of the Legislature. ...

The initiative would define marriage as between a man and a woman. It is part of the effort to overturn same-sex marriage, which the Supreme Judicial Court legalized in 2003. Massachusetts is the only state to allow gay and lesbian marriages.

After the 2003 ruling, lawmakers hammered out a compromise ban, which would allow Vermont-style civil unions. That version passed in a joint session of the legislature, called the Constitutional Convention, but must still be approved a second time. ...

Supporters of the new amendment drive pledged in June to actively seek the defeat of the earlier version. Mineau did so again on Tuesday, saying the pending amendment is "degrading to the institution of marriage." ...

Gov. Mitt Romney withdrew his support for the compromise ban, and is backing the new proposal. He said the compromise "muddied" the issue of gay marriage by legalizing civil unions.

After the new initiative is approved by Reilly's office, proponents must gather about 66,000 certified signatures. Then the measure must be approved in two Constitutional Conventions in a row, before it would be put to the voters in 2008.

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posted by Eve at 3:46 PM | link

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