Bishops join effort to define marriage in Massachusetts Constitution

Published: 2005-06-22

BOSTON (CNS) -- The bishops of Massachusetts have joined in a new effort to amend the state constitution to restore the traditional definition of marriage in the commonwealth. The Coalition for Marriage and Family, an alliance of 20 state and national organizations including the Massachusetts Family Institute and Massachusetts Catholic Conference, announced June 16 the launch of a citizens' initiative petition drive to amend the state constitution to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Almost immediately afterward, Gov. Mitt Romney announced his support of the effort. Before the new amendment could be brought before voters, supporters will need to gather nearly 66,000 signatures of Massachusetts residents. If that goal is met, the measure would need the support of 25 percent of the Legislature to appear on the 2008 ballot. Members of the coalition said they hope the introduction of a new amendment would lead to the defeat of the so-called Travaglini-Lees amendment currently being considered by the Legislature. The proposed amendment would define marriage as the union of one man and one woman but also create a constitutional guarantee to same-sex civil unions. The proposed amendment backed by the bishops would restore the traditional definition of marriage but leave the establishment of civil unions up to the Legislature.

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