Four Votes Away From Another Gay Marriage Debate

Four votes. That's all that seems to stand between the United States and what would likely be another drawn-out debate on gay marriage, similar to the one proceeding the 2004 election. Needless to say, the Democrats don't want that debate to take place, while the Republicans can't wait to have it.

The Boston Globe reports that pro-gay marriage forces in Massachusetts believe they are only four votes -- maybe only three votes -- away from preventing a constitutional amendment against gay marriage from being placed on the statewide ballot in 2008. According to the rules of the Legislature, the amendment must be approved twice by at least 25 percent of the members of the lower house. The pro-amendment forces triumphed last time, getting about eight votes above the 25 percent level. But since that vote, several pro-amendment legislators were defeated in 2006, and the pro-gay rights Deval Patrick was elected governor, replacing the recently anti-gay rights Gov. Mitt Romney.

National Democrats have gotten into the act, the Globe reports. They are fearful that if the amendment is placed on the ballot, it will reignite the gay marriage issue and galvanize conservative voters. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been making phone calls to state Democratic leaders, and Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean has offered to help lobby legislators. Pro-gay marriage advocates have also launched a $750,000 media campaign.

NPR reported this morning that slightly more than 50 percent of residents support gay marriage. The number has risen each year since it was legalized by the Massachusetts Supreme Court in 2004. But neither side feels that the poll numbers can be trusted because, on an issue of this importance, people may say one thing and then vote differently.

1:28 PM ET | 05-17-2007 | permalink