Gay marriage opponents seek to reverse new law

"The fact that this happened the way it happened just adds to the sense of sleaziness and underhandedness of the whole process," Camenker said.

The group will need about 32,000 signatures to get their question on the ballot.

Gay marriage advocates who had celebrated the repeal said they were disappointed but not surprised by the petition.

"I've learned that when it comes to equality for gay and lesbian people, the struggle is never over because there are certain people that are just strongly opposed to any rights for gay people. It's never shocking; it is disappointing," said Marc Solomon of MassEquality.

Gay Massachusetts residents have been allowed to legally marry since 2004. Opponents, such as former Gov. Mitt Romney, said the 1913 law prevented Massachusetts from becoming the "Las Vegas of same-sex marriage." California also permits same-sex marriage and has no restriction on out-of-state couples.

Mass Resistance filed paperwork with the secretary of state's office on Wednesday. The measure has been forwarded to the attorney general's office for review.