Auld Lang Syne
I’m not sure what to think about today’s looming procedural fight in the Massachusetts legislature over gay marriage. On one hand, I think there is a lot of credence in the argument that people’s rights should not be subject to a popular vote. On the other hand, I think Massachusetts would be an excellent place to end the “Liberal Activist Judges!” cry once and for all. I don’t remember polling on the issue, but last I checked a slim majority of Massachusetts denizens supported continued gay marriages. An electorate, even a liberal one like Massachusetts, enshrining same-sex marriage rights by popular vote would be a powerful symbol, and an excellent rebuttal to the cry that liberal justices are hatching ways to bring down traditional society.
The problem is that issues like same-sex marriage are wedge issues, and a popular vote in Massachusetts could galvanize die-hard opponents into turning out in droves, while the average citizen, who doesn’t feel particularly affected by the issue stays home, leading to the defeat of such a measure.
Update: About.com’s Lesbian Life Page has some polling, with sources. 62% of Massachusetts residents.
The problem is that issues like same-sex marriage are wedge issues, and a popular vote in Massachusetts could galvanize die-hard opponents into turning out in droves, while the average citizen, who doesn’t feel particularly affected by the issue stays home, leading to the defeat of such a measure.
Update: About.com’s Lesbian Life Page has some polling, with sources. 62% of Massachusetts residents.
