Bishops, advocates clash over same sex marriage

By Michael Paulson, Globe Staff

Saying they are concerned that a walkout by legislators could scuttle a vote on a bill to ban same-sex marriage, the four Roman Catholic bishops of Massachusetts are exhorting the state’s 3 million Catholics to demand action.

The bishops, including Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston, also are urging Catholics to go to the State House Nov. 9, the date the vote is scheduled, to voice their support for restricting marriage to heterosexual couples. The letter asks Catholics to ‘‘pray for success on this critical vote.’’

But religious supporters of same-sex marriage are fighting back. They have printed thousands of copies of a brochure entitled, ‘‘Why We Don’t Vote on Civil Rights,’’ for distribution in churches and synagogues. They also are preparing to publish newspaper ads signed by a group of lay Catholics declaring that O’Malley doesn’t speak for them on the issue of marriage.

Legislative observers say they are not sure what to expect Nov. 9, when legislators meeting in Constitutional Convention consider placing the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage on the 2008 ballot.

•  Previous Entry
• Next Entry 

MOST E-MAILED

1. Transit archeology
2. Snowy scenes
3. Mixed reaction to "My Lazy American Students" column
4. My lazy American students
5. Spilling the beans on McDonald's coffee campaign
6. Making science cool
7. Airlines: New rules keep passengers in seats