by TChris

As predicted here, a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution banning gay marriage died after failing to gain a majority on its second trip through the Massachusetts legislature.

Wednesday's 157-to-39 vote by a joint session of the House and Senate partly reflected the fact that some legislators now consider same-sex marriage more politically acceptable, after a largely conflict-free year in which some 6,600 same-sex couples got married and lawmakers who supported it got re-elected. The vote also reflected some lawmakers' reluctance to pass a bill that could either withdraw rights from already married couples or create a class of married gay men and lesbians and a class of those unable to marry.

The lopsided vote attests to the wisdom of procedures that prevent constitutions from being amended in the heat of the moment.

If the steam has gone out of the "gay marriage will end civilization" train, the religious right will be forced to pounce on today's pledge decision to try to regain momentum. But that decision pertains to one case, in one court. The case isn't likely to reach the Supreme Court soon. Not much steam in that train either, as much as the right would like a distraction from the more pressing problems their favored president has caused or mismanaged.