Mitt Romney Demands Vote On Ballot Question To End Gay Marriage

The legislature is simply choosing to remain out of session and let the initiative die.

In a move to publicly pressure lawmakers who have so far ignored him, Gov. Mitt Romney plans to appear at a Statehouse rally on Sunday to demand the Legislature vote on a proposed ballot question that would end gay marriage in Massachusetts.

Lawmakers last week again refused to take up the question at a joint session, voting instead to recess until Jan. 2, which all but killed the measure because a vote then is unlikely.

Romney’s spokesman, Eric Fehrnstrom, said the fight won’t be over until the people vote.

"Legislators made a serious miscalculation," he said. "Their action strikes at the very heart of democracy. No matter how you may feel about the marriage issue, people have a right to participate in their own government."

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Because the Legislature is in recess and did not adjourn, Romney has no legal authority to call lawmakers back into session. Gay marriage opponents say they are considering legal options to force a vote.

posted by Ace at 03:06 PM

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