Massachusetts takes that step
30/03/2004 18:41  - (SA)  

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Boston - Lawmakers in Massachusetts have taken the first step in a long process to ban gay marriages by amending the state constitution.

The Northeastern US state sparked the national debate on gay marriage when its Supreme Court ruled in November to allow same-sex marriages as of mid-May.

The Massachusetts amendment measure passed on Monday mirrors US President George W Bush's initiative to amend the US Constitution.

Massachusetts lawmakers voted 105 to 90 to adopt a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriages but leaving open the possibility for gay civil unions.

Only the northeastern state of Vermont approves gay civil unions, which grant similar rights and protections as those given by marriage.

Before the amendment to the Massachusetts constitution is adopted, it must survive two more votes from the current state legislature and be approved by a majority of the voting-age population of the state.

At the earliest, a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage would go into effect in late 2006.

In the meantime, the state Supreme Court's November ruling is to be enforced, allowing gay couples to take their marriage vows starting May 17.

Based on anti-discrimination rulings, the Supreme Court's decision will make Massachusetts the first US state to allow homosexuals to be legally married.

- AFP

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