Mass. Constitutional Convention (Feb.2004)

Constitutional Convention (Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004)

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Senate President Travaglini welcomed everyone. He said there are many people here and even more watching on TV outside this chamber. This exercise is truly the essence of democracy. It is my intention that today’s session will go until 9 pm. It will be a long session. We hope to accomplish as much of our work as possible. Today we will be doing the serious work of considering amendments to our constitution, the oldest in America. It is our job to debate these serious matters and to vote on them. We intend to debate these issues before us in a respectful dignified and orderly manner. Everyone will have the opportunity to be heard. We ask those watching in the gallery to respect the process of legislative debate. We cannot and will not tolerate interruption due to noise and uncalled for actions in the gallery. We ask that you listen and be respectful of the members and their points of view. Any disruptions will prolong the debate and prevent us from completing our job. Should there be too much noise, I will not hesitate to ask the court officers to remove those responsible for it. Let us begin.

SUSPENSION OF RULES TO CONSIDER MARRIAGE AMENDMENT: Sens. Berry and Murray moved to suspend H rule 47 to consider item 8 the marriage amendment, forthwith. Sen. Travaglini said there is no debate on this motion and a two thirds vote is required. By voice vote, rule suspended.

Under the rules of the joint session, the clerk read the title. It was then opened for debate and amendment.

Question came on ordering the proposal to third reading.

Sen. Barrios offered an amendment, printed in the calendar. Sen. Travaglini called a brief recess and spoke with Speaker Finneran. Sen. Travaglini said the Speaker has asked to be recognized for an opening statement before we get into the orders of the day.

Speaker Finneran, from the podium, said point of parliamentary inquiry? Is the amendment printed on the constitutional calendar the pending matter?

Sen. Travaglini said that is correct.

Speaker Finneran was recognized to speak on the matter. He said it is no secret that this has been an emotional and divisive period of time. The kindnesses that you and your staff have afforded to my staff and members of the House is appreciated. I want to speak on two matters. One is to lay emphasis on the appropriate remarks you offered regarding the need to maintain levels of decorum, respect, and kindness. The emotions don’t need to be belabored by me. The attention of the citizens and the media and press people from around the world is focused here today. The second portion I wish to speak to is to offer a further amendment to the amendment.

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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» Senate President Travaglini welcomed everyone. He said there are many people here and even more watching on TV outside this chamber. This exercise is truly the essence of democracy. It is my intention that today’s session will go until 9 pm. It will be a long session. We hope to accomplish as much of our work as possible. Today we will be doing the serious work of considering amendments to our constitution, the oldest in America. It is our job to debate these serious matters and to vote on them. We intend to debate these issues before us in a respectful dignified and orderly manner. Everyone will have the opportunity to be heard. We ask those watching in the gallery to respect the process of legislative debate. We cannot and will not tolerate interruption due to noise and uncalled for actions in the gallery. We ask that you listen and be respectful of the members and their points of view. Any disruptions will prolong the debate and prevent us from completing our job. Should there be too much noise, I will not hesitate to ask the court officers to remove those responsible for it. Let us begin. SUSPENSION OF RULES TO CONSIDER MARRIAGE AMENDMENT: Sens. Berry and Murray moved to suspend H rule 47 to consider item 8 the marriage amendment, forthwith. Sen. Travaglini said there is no debate on this motion and a two thirds vote is required. By voice vote, rule suspended. Under the rules of the joint session, the clerk read the title. It was then opened for debate and amendment. Question came on ordering the proposal to third reading. Sen. Barrios offered an amendment, printed in the calendar. Sen. Travaglini called a brief recess and spoke with Speaker Finneran. Sen. Travaglini said the Speaker has asked to be recognized for an opening statement before we get into the orders of the day. Speaker Finneran, from the podium, said point of parliamentary inquiry? Is the amendment printed on the constitutional calendar the pending matter? Sen. Travaglini said that is correct. Speaker Finneran was recognized to speak on the matter. He said it is no secret that this has been an emotional and divisive period of time. The kindnesses that you and your staff have afforded to my staff and members of the House is appreciated. I want to speak on two matters. One is to lay emphasis on the appropriate remarks you offered regarding the need to maintain levels of decorum, respect, and kindness. The emotions don’t need to be belabored by me. The attention of the citizens and the media and press people from around the world is focused here today. The second portion I wish to speak to is to offer a further amendment to the amendment. «Previous Page · 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 · Next Page»