Breaking News: Massachusetts legislature blocks constitutional amendment on marriage from going to the ballot

Today the Massachusetts legislature blocked the proposed constitutional amendment on marriage from being placed on the ballot in 2008. The AP reports that the vote was 151-45 with no debate, in contrast to previous joint sessions. Fifty votes were needed.

The Boston Globe notes that proponents of a marriage amendment will have to wait until 2012 to get it onto the ballot.

The Massachusetts Family Institute/VoteOnMarriage.org allege "bribery" by the Governor and "arm-twisting" by the House Speaker in its press release.

The text of the amendment:

"When recognizing marriage entered after the adoption of this amendment by the people, the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions shall define marriage as only the union of one man and one woman."