Source: Boston Globe, South Coast Today
Boston -- The state attorney general today approved paperwork filed by opponents of same-sex marriages who are pushing a statewide referendum that would reinstate a 1913 statute that prevented gay and lesbian couples from marrying in Massachusetts if their union wouldn't be legal in their home state.
"After a thorough review by our office, we have concluded that this referendum petition has met the technical requirements that govern such petitions," Attorney General Martha Coakley said today in a statement.
The paperwork, which included the signatures of 10 registered voters, was filed Aug. 13 by the group Mass Resistance.
Organizers must gather 33,297 signatures from registered voters by Oct. 29, 2008, to get the measure on the November 2010 ballot. The Legislature repealed the law this year, with the enthusiastic support of Gov. Deval Patrick.
The new law made Massachusetts the second state to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry regardless of their place of residence. Gay Massachusetts residents have been allowed to legally marry since 2004.
"Our decision that this referendum meets the Constitutional requirements as to subject matter does not mean that it has our support, but simply that the constitutional requirements are met for the proponents of the referendum to obtain further signatures," Coakley said in a statement.
Source: Referendum on 1913 marriage law passes first test | Boston Globe
Ballot initiative to reinstate 1913 law can move forward | South Coast Today
Last modified: 25 Aug 08 11:11
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