Mass. Constitutional Convention (Feb.2004)

Constitutional Convention (Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004)

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CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION – WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11, 2004

Rep. Costello continued: We are in a historic position. I was at an inauguration for a mayor. It was said do the right thing. What is the right thing? They said you know what it is. They said that in Vermont three years ago. I traveled there. I saw cows and mountains and the sky. I didn’t see any chaos. I didn’t see any deviant people. My father voted for gay rights here. As his son, I was very proud of him. I have two wishes for my children. I hope they grow up in a tolerant society. I also hope they will be as proud of their father as I was of my father for standing up and doing the right thing regardless of what my church tells me. I hope you oppose this amendment.

Rep. Miceli said I have received 700 phone calls, overwhelmingly in support of DOMA. I will support the Speaker’s amendment. I have no doubt that he will keep his word, unlike some of my colleagues, relative to bringing that bill out. This makes a lot of sense. This accomplishes what we started out to accomplish with DOMA.

Rep. Loscocco called repeatedly to be recognized to speak, but Sen. Travaglini called the vote on the amendment.

By voice vote, amendment rejected.

Rep. Loscocco said I doubt the ruling of the chair.

Sen. Travaglini said the vote was already moved, but if the gentleman would like to ask for a roll call the chair would be happy to accommodate him. Rep. Loscocco asked for a roll call and there was support. Rep. Knuttilla said it’s my understanding that the Legislature has 199 members now, one senator having submitted her resignation. What is the vote on this to be considered a majority?

Sen. Travaglini said a majority of the members present and voting.

At 4:44 pm, Clerk Welch called the roll of senators and they voted prior to opening up the electronic roll call machine to record the votes of House members. THE SENATE VOTE WAS 9-30.

Speaker Finneran took the gavel for the House roll call. THE HOUSE VOTE WAS 89-70.

BY A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 98-100, FINNERAN AMENDMENT REJECTED. Time was 4:55 pm.

LEES AMENDMENT: Sen. Lees offered an amendment substituting new text.

Sen. Lees said I want to thank everyone in this chamber. This is an historic day. If we are going to put something on the ballot we should put something on the ballot that is fair and protects the rights of every citizen. It has been clear as I indicated that the public has asked us to let them have a say and a vote.

Sen. Travaglini said we have a lot more work this evening, potentially into tomorrow and long beyond that. The gallery is well behaved. The problem is here. Give respect to the people who go to the podium. I am not in the habit of being repetitive.

Sen. Lees said the people in the gallery have had utmost respect for this process and each other and I thank you all. The public has given us a clear signal that they would like an opportunity to vote. They felt the court overstretched. I believe that fairness prevails. Most folks want the opportunity to vote and don’t want to take away rights and liberties from other people.

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Pictures and Photos Local News Constitutional Convention Transcripts Username Password	Constitutional Convention (Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004) «Previous Page · 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 · Next Page» CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION – WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11, 2004 Rep. Costello continued: We are in a historic position. I was at an inauguration for a mayor. It was said do the right thing. What is the right thing? They said you know what it is. They said that in Vermont three years ago. I traveled there. I saw cows and mountains and the sky. I didn’t see any chaos. I didn’t see any deviant people. My father voted for gay rights here. As his son, I was very proud of him. I have two wishes for my children. I hope they grow up in a tolerant society. I also hope they will be as proud of their father as I was of my father for standing up and doing the right thing regardless of what my church tells me. I hope you oppose this amendment. Rep. Miceli said I have received 700 phone calls, overwhelmingly in support of DOMA. I will support the Speaker’s amendment. I have no doubt that he will keep his word, unlike some of my colleagues, relative to bringing that bill out. This makes a lot of sense. This accomplishes what we started out to accomplish with DOMA. Rep. Loscocco called repeatedly to be recognized to speak, but Sen. Travaglini called the vote on the amendment. By voice vote, amendment rejected. Rep. Loscocco said I doubt the ruling of the chair. Sen. Travaglini said the vote was already moved, but if the gentleman would like to ask for a roll call the chair would be happy to accommodate him. Rep. Loscocco asked for a roll call and there was support. Rep. Knuttilla said it’s my understanding that the Legislature has 199 members now, one senator having submitted her resignation. What is the vote on this to be considered a majority? Sen. Travaglini said a majority of the members present and voting. At 4:44 pm, Clerk Welch called the roll of senators and they voted prior to opening up the electronic roll call machine to record the votes of House members. THE SENATE VOTE WAS 9-30. Speaker Finneran took the gavel for the House roll call. THE HOUSE VOTE WAS 89-70. BY A ROLL CALL VOTE OF 98-100, FINNERAN AMENDMENT REJECTED. Time was 4:55 pm. LEES AMENDMENT: Sen. Lees offered an amendment substituting new text. Sen. Lees said I want to thank everyone in this chamber. This is an historic day. If we are going to put something on the ballot we should put something on the ballot that is fair and protects the rights of every citizen. It has been clear as I indicated that the public has asked us to let them have a say and a vote. Sen. Travaglini said we have a lot more work this evening, potentially into tomorrow and long beyond that. The gallery is well behaved. The problem is here. Give respect to the people who go to the podium. I am not in the habit of being repetitive. Sen. Lees said the people in the gallery have had utmost respect for this process and each other and I thank you all. The public has given us a clear signal that they would like an opportunity to vote. They felt the court overstretched. I believe that fairness prevails. Most folks want the opportunity to vote and don’t want to take away rights and liberties from other people. «Previous Page · 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 · Next Page»