(Springfield, Massachusetts) Supporters of a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts constitution to end same-sex marriage in the state are being warned they won't have a platform all to themselves.
The warning comes after a group demanding the proposed amendment tried to stage a weekend rally on the steps of the Springfield city hall.
Members of a local chapter of VoteOnMarriage gathered on the steps. Some of the protestors carried placards reading "Let the People Vote" and leaders of the Pioneer Valley Faith Action Committee were getting ready to address the crowd when gay rights advocates marched up the steps.
About 100 members of MassEquality shouting "Bigots go home" faced off with the anti-marriage demonstrators.
One of the Equality leaders shouted through a bullhorn "Pray! You'll need it. Your cause will be defeated."
Police quickly arrived at the scene and separated the two demonstrations.
MassEquality produced a permit for the demonstration. But, the VoteOnMarriage protestors, despite a large campaign to promote their event, did not have a permit.
Eqaulity spokesperson Don Henneberger said that as soon as it learned of the anti-gay protest it checked to see if a permit had been issued. When it wasn't Henneberger said his group applied and was granted a permit.
Police dispersed the gay marriage foes. They regrouped across the street at a park in front of a manger scene and held a prayer rally but were drowned out by the gay protest as "Bigots go home!" was shouted at them through the bullhorn.
MassEquality said it will counter future anti-gay rallies with a similar show of force.
Last month lawmakers refused to vote on the proposed amendment. The Legislature meeting in a special joint session called a Constitutional Convention recessed until January 2, without taking a vote. (story)
January 2 is the final day in the current session and it is expected no vote will be held, effectively killing the measure.
Gov. Mitt Romney has asked the state's highest court for an order placing a proposed amendment that would ban same-sex marriage on the ballot without the approval of the legislature.
The case will be heard by the full Supreme Judicial Court later this month.
Unless Romney is able to convince the court to force the legislature to act the proposed amendment is likely dead.
©365Gay.com 2006
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