Boston, Mass., Mar 29, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Massachusetts legislators took a significant step on Monday toward banning gay “marriage,” but at the cost of legalizing “civil unions,” in a decision that has not pleased any side of the debate.
The 105-92 vote in favor of banning gay “marriage” as stated by the state’s Supreme Court, is the first step in a process that will require two and a half years to become an amendment to the State’s constitution, the oldest in the country.
Governor Mitt Romney announced immediately after the vote that he will ask the state's highest court to delay the implementation of its November ruling which ordered that same-sex marriages should begin on May 17.
“I believe the Supreme Judicial Court has an obligation to the constitution and the people of Massachusetts to withhold this decision, to stay this decision until the people of Massachusetts can make a final determination for themselves,” Romney said.