Gay marriage showdown set for final day of legislative session

BOSTON -- A showdown on gay marriage is expected tomorrow on the last day of the legislative session.

The constitutional convention is the last chance for lawmakers to move forward a ballot question that would ban gay marriage.

Lawmakers have declined to vote on the issue, twice recessing. The moves were widely seen as a way to kill the measure.

But last week, the state's highest court said lawmakers were constitutionally obligated to take a vote.

Some lawmakers say they won't vote anyway because the ballot question would write discrimination into the constitution.

Gay marriage opponents say the people have the right to vote on gay marriage. They say lawmakers must follow their oath of office.

Senate President Robert Travaglini, who runs the convention, has the power to force a vote. He hasn't said what he'll do.

A quarter of lawmakers need to approve the ballot question to move it forward.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)