Mass. gay marriage opponents file ballot petition

BOSTON (AP) – Gay marriage opponents filed a ballot initiative with the state on Tuesday that, if passed, would amend the state Constitution to ban gay marriages.

The move, which was expected, casts doubt on the future of another ballot initiative pending in front of the Legislature.

The Massachusetts Family Institute submitted the citizen’s petition a day before today’s deadline to file with the office of Attorney General Tom Reilly. Former Boston Mayor Raymond L. Flynn’s name tops the list of 30 people who signed the petition.

The initiative would define marriage as between a man and a woman. It is part of the effort to overturn same-sex marriage, which the Supreme Judicial Court legalized in 2003. Massachusetts is the only state to allow gay and lesbian marriages.

Democrats’ picnic to feature Wesley Clark

BRUNSWICK – Former presidential candidate and four-star Army Gen. Wesley Clark will be the main attraction Sunday, Aug. 7, when Democrats hold the annual Muskie Lobster Festival in Brunswick.

Clark said in a statement released by the Maine Democratic Party that he’s eager to speak with working Mainers. He said that while fighting terrorism is important, “we cannot lose sight of the important domestic issues here at home: health care reform, education, worker training, Medicare and protection of our rights under the Constitution,” Clark said. He praised Gov. John Baldacci for taking a stand on equal rights, referring to Maine’s gay rights law, which was signed by Baldacci.

Others attending the Democratic picnic will be Alice Travis Germond, secretary of the Democratic National Committee; Baldacci; and Maine U.S. Reps. Mike Michaud and Tom Allen.

This year’s event is being changed from a lobster bake to a lobster festival, with non-lobster meals sold to attract more people, said Kaileigh Tara, former Lewiston mayor and now the party’s communications director.

A lobster dinner will cost $55 per person, a barbecue or vegetarian dinner $30 per person, and children’s meals $10. To make reservations, people may call 622-6233, ext. 103, or go to www.mainedems.org on the Internet.

The event will be from 1 to 4 p.m. at Thomas Point Beach in Brunswick. The picnic is for Democrats, but all are welcome, Tara said.