BOSTON--Spirited debate marked the Massachusetts' Constitutional Convention, which adjourned without passing a marriage amendment that would prohibit same-sex nuptials.
The convention was held in reaction to a ruling by the state's high court that same-sex couples cannot be denied marriage licenses under the state constitution.
The issue has split the legislature. The amendment, backed by social conservatives, lost 103-96, according to a Baptist Press report. Legislators also defeated two separate versions of compromise amendments that would have banned same-sex "marriage" but would have pushed the state closer to legalizing Vermont-type civil unions.
The Massachusetts court ruling takes effect in mid-May, which would make the state the first to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Another convention is scheduled for March 11.
