Testimony on gay nuptial ban starts

The debate over gay marriage returned to the State House yesterday with supporters and opponents gathering for an emotional hearing on a proposed ban on same-sex nuptials for the 2008 ballot.

Legislators plan to vote on the proposal at a May 10 constitutional convention.

Fifty legislators must vote for the proposal in two legislative sessions to place it on the 2008 ballot.

During a six-hour hearing, supporters of the ban argued that legalized gay marriage undermines the traditional family structure.

Opponents of the ban argued that gay couples should have the same rights and opportunities as straight couples.

They also said a ballot campaign would be divisive.

''I believe that if the Legislature does not vote the amendment down, our state will be subjected to an ugly, protracted fight that will adversely affect the civic and business environment," Robert L. Beal, director of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, told the committee.

Governor Mitt Romney, who is a supporter of the proposal, sent a letter to the committee saying, ''The importance of marriage between mothers and fathers, wives and husbands is so great that we must take whatever action is needed to preserve it, for the sake of our children and our children's children."