Lawmaker shifts gay marriage stance (Massachusetts)

[Zenlitened]

Lawmaker shifts gay marriage stance
O'Flaherty cites constituents' input

By Stephanie Ebbert, Globe Staff | November 11, 2005

State Representative Eugene L. O'Flaherty, a leading opponent of gay marriage in Massachusetts, is no longer backing a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

In a story published in yesterday's Bay Windows, New England's largest newspaper reporting on issues in the gay and lesbian community, O'Flaherty said he would advise against the passage of the proposed amendment if it comes before the Legislature. He told the newspaper that he had been influenced by constituents, including a gay friend whose wedding he attended last year, and that he wanted to focus on other priorities.

''I want to try to dispose of this issue," he said. ''It's occupied the last three years of my life; a lot of time, a lot of energy, and I'd like to apply that to healthcare. I'd like to apply that to some of the other issues that we have in front of us, that as far as I'm concerned, are much more important to our constituents at this point."

(snip)

Other politicians who opposed gay marriage, or preferred civil unions, have moderated their stance since same-sex marriage was legalized in May 2004. But the development is striking because O'Flaherty was one of the most outspoken opponents.


More:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/11/11/lawmaker_shifts_gay_marriage_stance/

Also, Bay Windows article on which Boston Globe report is based:
http://www.baywindows.com/media/paper328/news/2005/11/10/News/Oflaherty.Its.Time.To.Move.Beyond.Marriage.Debate-1052971.shtml

[Ian David]

1. Healthcare? HEALTHCARE? Since when is taking care of the sick Christian?

''I want to try to dispose of this issue," he said. ''It's occupied the last three years of my life; a lot of time, a lot of energy, and I'd like to apply that to healthcare. I'd like to apply that to some of the other issues that we have in front of us, that as far as I'm concerned, are much more important to our constituents at this point."

Yay!!

[Ian David]

2. Related thread: Anti-gay group can't make payroll or pay rent or phonebill

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=221x20093