Inquiry Into Mass. Amendment 'Dirty Tricks'

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/10/101805massAmend.htm

Supporters and opponents of an anti-gay marriage ballot question designed to roll back the state's historic court ruling allowing same-sex marriage are trading accusations of dirty tricks.

Opponents say signature gathers are using "bait and switch" tactics to dupe voters into signing the question, while supporters say gay activists are stealing blank petitions, defacing others to invalidate signatures, and shoving and spitting on signature gatherers.

The dueling allegations were made at a crowded Statehouse hearing Tuesday.

[Caution]

1. I was actually a witness to the bait and switch tactic

here in MA on this issue. There were two petitions the signature gatherers were trying to get signed. One was to allow supermarkets to sell beer and wine, the other to ban gay marriage. The guy explained the first to me and then simply handed the seond one to me to sign. I flipped back to the description and handed it back to him with a "hell, no" He was obviously disappointed I didnt read it. These gatherers it turns out were bused in from out of state!

The whole thing is very underhanded and http://www.knowthyneighbor.org are doing a great job bringing the fraud to the attention of the legislature. I think they are going to have a very difficult time getting enough signatures.

[kevinbgoode]

2. This would naturally be a tactic of anything

supported by a coalition of "churches". . .with dubious values of their own.