Boston speakers call for vote on marriage

BOSTON - Hundreds of opponents of same-sex marriage gathered Sunday on Boston Common to show support for a proposed constitutional amendment that would define marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

People held banners that read "Let the people vote," "Marriage, ancient, sacred," and "Homosexuality is not normal" as they were entertained by live music.

Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston said the rally was not about "hatemongering."

"We are here because we are concerned about marriage and about family," he told the crowd.

A smaller group of counter-protesters, some holding a banner that said "Shame on you Sean," in reference to O'Malley, stood behind the main stage.

Massachusetts' highest court, the Supreme Judicial Court, ruled 4-3 in November that same-sex couples had a right under the state constitution to the benefits of marriage, and this past week it ruled by the same ratio that only marriage - not civil union - would satisfy its initial decision.

On Saturday, leaders of churches, synagogues and mosques around Massachusetts condemned the high court's ruling in a joint statement and urged a constitutional ban on such unions.

"All eyes are on Massachusetts; may they see our courage and resolve to safeguard the fundamental institution of marriage," the statement concluded.

A poll released Sunday by Merrimack College's Center for Public Opinion Research suggested that support for gay marriage may be slipping, and support for legalizing civil unions growing.

The full Massachusetts House and Senate will meet Wednesday for a joint constitutional convention to consider a proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in Massachusetts.

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