Vinny DeMacedo, Goat or hero?

A recent letter to the local newspaper took Representative Vinny DeMacedo (R. Plymouth) to task for his vote in a recent constitutional convention in favor of allowing a proposed constitutional amendment to continue on the road to the state-wide ballot. The amendment, if passed by the popular vote, would define marriage as a union of heterosexuals and effectively stop homosexual marriage which has been allowed in Massachusetts since 2004 by virtue of a ruling by the Mass. Supreme Judicial Court. The letter went on to draw an agonizing parallel between the “struggle” for gay rights and the American Civil Rights movement. The twisted implication was something like: Given Vinny’s vote to advance the amendment, he probably would have opposed Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954. Please...

Bear in mind that the constitutional convention was not deciding on the underlying issue, but rather only whether or not it be advanced towards a popular vote. Moreover, the initiative itself was the result of a petition signed by a 170,000 citizens, a substantial number by any measure. Given that the original decision was imposed by a panel of un-elected judges, it is easy to see why so many signed the petition demanding a popular vote.

This question deals with a basic cultural value and many of those opposed to legalizing gay marriage have strong opinions based on deeply-held beliefs. And while some might dismiss the opponents as mean-spirited homophobes, they might want to stop and consider the totalitarian process by which this amendment was squelched. A major change to the fabric of our culture has been made by judicial edict and the remedy denied by a recalcitrant legislature with a disregard for the opinions of a large number of its electorate. Even those in favor of homosexual marriage might want to pause and consider the danger in this procedural precedent.

Vinny DeMacedo deserves praise for his courage in supporting the democratic process and refusing to be stampeded into supporting this denial of redress to the citizens of Massachusetts.