Massachusetts Government Plans to Delay Gay Marriage

Mar 30, 2004 03:31 PM EST

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney announced yesterday, March 29, to ask the Supreme Court to delay the order that was made to begin same-sex marriage May 17, until after the constitutional amendment process has run its course, despite what legal experts’ say.

"Given the conflict, I believe the Supreme Judicial Court should delay the imposition of its decision until the people have a chance to be heard," Romney said Monday.

On Monday, the state Legislature gave final approval for this year to a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage but legalize civil unions. Monday's vote must be affirmed again during the 2005-06 legislative session and by voters in the fall of 2006.