Tampa Bay Coalition
National News Archives September ~ October 2001
 
GLBT Legislation News Headlines
 
Massachusetts Anti-Gay Referendum to Ban Gay Marriages  
 
In Wake of Sept. 11 Attacks, Political Agenda Takes a Back Seat to Tragedy
October 18:  While the nation remains transfixed on the September 11 terrorist attacks and activists are shifting
gears in their continuing fight to expand gay rights. Instead attention is being directed to victim relief efforts,
such as making sure domestic partners receive the same benefits that are being given to other families.
 
GLAD Files Suit Against Reilly Over Anti-Gay Referendum
October 10: Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) filed lawsuit Oct. 3 asking the Supreme Judicial
Court to overturn Attorney General Thomas Reilly's Sept. 5 decision to certify two anti-gay constitutional
amendments. GLAD has argued that Article 48 of the state constitution specifically prohibits voter initiatives that
relate to the powers of the court. Next two articles offer more details on the referendum, gay rights activists and
an editorial.
 
Anti-Gay Ballot Initiatives Given Green Light by Attorney
General Reilly
September 7, 2001: Gay Rights Activists tried to convince Reilly to not approve the two petition drives by anti-gay groups. But, he approved them and they will be on the 2002 ballots. The initiatives ask voters to ban gay marriages, limit marital rights and domestic partner benefits for gays and lesbians. Those supporting the two measures, have until next summer to collect 60,000 signatures to ensure a spot on the ballots. by Datalounge.
See article below for additional details.
 
Fear Tom Reilly will Accede to Right-Wing Demands Regarding Wording of Marriage Ballot Question.
September 3, 2001: Massachusetts: The petition initiative for constitutional amendment, by the Massachusetts Citizens for Marriage's (MCM), goes far beyond codifying marriage to be between one man and one woman. It will bar civil unions or any domestic partnership benefits. has until Sept. 5 to certify or squash the initiative, fear is he will certify it. Included in this post is a Bay Window Editorial Tom Reilly, We're Watching You. Is a warning to all about the true effects of the initiative. If Reilly sells us out, it will come back to haunt him and his actions will never be forgotten. Article and Editorial by Bay Windows.
 
 
 
 
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