Well, day 4 of the Massachusetts ConCon will be happening tomorrow. Here's where we're at:
The amendment being debated
The current amendment is being called the "Leaders' Amendment". It is sponsored by House Speaker Finneran, Senate President Travaglini, and the Chairs of each Ways and Means Committee. As it currently exists, the amendment--were it to pass this installment and again next year and be approved by the voters in 2006--would establish marriage as "a union between one man and one woman" and establish civil unions (with all of the same legal benefits and obligations) for same-sex couples.
The Schedule
The Constitutional Convention is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm pretty sure this is not all devoted to the same-sex marriage issue. There are several other amendments being considered. None of these have been debated yet, because on the first day of the ConCon, the General Court voted to change the calendar and tackle same-sex marriage first. However, it's possible the issue will not be finally decided tomorrow. That depends, in part, on how many amendments are voted on and/or approved (see below). However, the sessions are each scheduled to end at 9:00 p.m. If debate is still happening at that time, the body must vote (by majority) to continue until midnight. If they are still debating at midnight, the body must again vote (unanimous consent, this time) to extend debate. Because debate is already scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, I'd be surprised if they go later than 9:00 tomorrow night. But, who knows?
Debate begins at 10:00 tomorrow morning.
The language of this amendment may only be amended twice
If two amendments pass, then the amendment as it exists must be voted up or down. For that reason, the order of proposed amendments to the amendment is extremely important. From what I've read and heard, there are a ton of them being proposed. Some of these amendments would include language that does such things as: making clear that civil unions are not eligible for federal marriage rights; ensuring that religious institutions are not required to recognize civil unions or perform ceremonies. While these may be troubling, others are far more so. There are a couple of proposals to split the hetero-only marriage from civil unions (potentially leaving us totally screwed in 2 years) or changing the civil union language to have the specific benefits and obligations defined by the legislature "from time to time" (potentially leaving us with nothing more than a registry--especially considering how Finneran has acted toward family issues for LGBT folks).
Many of the proposed amendments have already been submitted to the clerk, and they will be debated in the order the clerk received them. I have no idea what that order is.
The protesters will be out in force again
I received an email from the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus asking that people on our side arrive early. At the debates occuring thus far, we have secured the prime real estate in front of the House Chamber. We'd like to maintain that position, but it requires people arriving early. I, personally, won't be able to get there until after noon. (I couldn't find anyone to teach my morning class for me--didn't try very hard either, though. My afternnon class is taking a field trip to observe and analyze the protests.) The building opens at 7:30 a.m. and debate begins at 10:00 a.m.
The anti-protests last time were much uglier than than during the first installment. There was a much higher proportion of the "God hates fags" types of people. I hope it doesn't get any uglier, but I wouldn't bet against it. Emotions are running high on both sides (although it does seem to me that the other side tends to be more inflamatory and insulting).
If you are in the Boston area and can take the time, please come down to the Statehouse.
Media Coverage
The Boston Phoenix periodically posts updates from reporters they have on the scene. It's a good way to keep informed. Additionally, New England Cable News is covering the event. Last time, they had live streaming video. I'm guessing they will again.
This is it...for the time being!
The issue will be decided this week. Even if our supporters are able to defeat the amendment this week, it is doubtful that this is the end. There will undoubtedly be attempts to place amendments on the ballot via petition. If (make that when) these efforts move forward to the General Court, it only takes 25% of the legislature to approve the initiative (that's only 50 votes) and send it to the ballot. We were able to avoid that fate a couple years ago when then-Senate President Thomas Birmingham gaveled the ConCon closed (based on an adjournment vote by the body) before debate and voting on the initiative could occur. If an amendment passes this week, we've still got a two-year struggle ahead of us. The end of events this week will only provide a brief respite.