Gay marriage suddenly defining issue for Romney

"I agree with 3,000 years of recorded human history, which frankly is a contradiction of what the majority of the Supreme Judicial Court said," Romney said on the "Today Show." "Of course, at the same time, we should (be) providing the necessary civil rights and certain appropriate benefits" to same-sex couples.

A few hours later, Romney seemed to modify his position, telling reporters that he believes the court would allow some version of civil unions to be approved instead of outright gay marriage. He has not given a full list of what rights and benefits he believes the civil unions should carry with them, but has said health coverage and hospital visitation rights should be included.

Romney's effort to frame the debate reflects a realization that there's nothing he can do to keep himself out it. The governor and his aides began discussing how they would respond to the ruling over the summer, as the state and the nation waited for a decision that everyone knew could be a bombshell.

"The governor is not a social crusader. He did not run for office to crusade for or against gay rights," said Eric Fehrnstrom, Romney's communications director. "But sometimes issues are forced upon you, and they require a response. . . . The governor has taken a consistent, principled position."

Under the court's ruling, the Legislature has 180 days to craft a response, and Romney's post as governor will force him to take politically perilous stands during this period. The calendar injects another intriguing element into the discussions: Romney is up for re-election in 2006 — the same year that the Defense of Marriage Act would go to the voters, if the Legislature approves it now and again in the 2005-06 session.

Romney's promise to work on behalf of an amendment to ban gay marriage could muddle his message to voters in 2006, when he is likelier to try to stress his efforts to rein in government excess and keep taxes low. On the other hand, the amendment could draw more social conservatives to the polls — a likely boon for the governor.

His vocal support for the amendment could lead to gay marriage being banned after two-plus years where it was legal. It could make Romney a hero to the right but a demon to the left.

"He could damage us hugely, and it's neither necessary nor appropriate," said Arline Isaacson, cochairwoman of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. "He has every right to his own personal and religious beliefs, but it is not right to try to impose that on everyone else."

Rob Gray, a GOP consultant who has done work for Romney, said the governor's forthright approach to the issue stands in contrast with the Democratic Legislature. Last year, lawmakers used a procedural maneuver to avoid a vote on a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.