BOHICA, folks.
I've been watching since 1pm EST, and since Travis couldn't get this moved up, they just got to #19 (third reading of one of the anti Gay Marriage proposals). This is the legislative one; #20 is the referendum one. 19 is nastier; 20 is squirrelier, IMHO.
Joint Session Agenda
UPDATE: The ConCon adjourned after defeating 19, and before consideration of 20.
It's dead, Jim.
This is getting incredibly old. The anti-equality forces claim to have nearly 60 votes (I believe it's 54, which ain't exactly 60) to push #20 forward.
The GOP lost 3 more seats this election. Their caucus totals in the General Court are 5 and 20. There's a better-than-even chance that Article8 can't get the 51 next session to put this on the ballot.
I just wish they'd give it up already.
19, in summary:
It being the public policy of this Commonwealth to protect the unique relationship of marriage, in order to promote, among other goals, the stability and welfare of society and the best interests of children, only the union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Massachusetts. Any other relationship shall not be recognized as a marriage or its legal equivalent, nor shall it receive the benefits or incidents exclusive to marriage from the Commonwealth, its agencies, departments, authorities, commissions, offices, officials and political subdivisions.
20, in summary
When recognizing marriages entered into after the adoption of this amendment by the people, the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall define marriage only as the union of one man and one woman.
More on the Update swing:
The "parliamentary maneuver" option has been committed. The legislature defeated the more onerous measure (19) and then adjourned until January, 2007.
Which means that the hard work of the paid signature gatherers will have to happen again.
Under MA law, the bill has to receive 25% of the ConCon votes in 2 consecutive sessions, beginning with the year of submission.
The local TV is gonna be full of Willard and Kris bloviating. I'm gonna have to watch the Weather Channel.