LONDONDERRY — After almost two hours of discussion in a packed conference room Monday, councilors rejected a second petition to put gay marriage to a town vote.

Councilors considered Rep. Al Baldasaro's second petition on whether residents should vote on an amendment to the New Hampshire Constitution that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

The petition was presented by former councilor Marty Bove in Baldasaro's absence.

"I stand by just one belief, and that is as a citizen, you have the right to vote," Bove said. "The subject of this petition is not up for debate tonight."

Baldasaro's first petition of 25 signatures was turned down last month because councilors agreed they wanted more voters to participate in the process. According to the town charter, the second step was to get a petition with 171 signatures, or 1 percent of registered voters. The petition presented Monday night had 190 verified names.

But even if the petition were approved by the council, it would still not be put on the March ballot. Instead, it would go before state legislators, according to the town charter. To get a vote put onto the ballot, 855 signatures, or 5 percent, is required.

"One percent of the voters have spoken," Councilor Kathy Wagner said. "To preserve the charter is more important. My job is to follow the charter. It's a social issue, not a town issue. I would like the 5 percent."

Baldasaro's petition stirred up controversy in town, but residents speaking on the issue Monday were pretty much split in their opinions.

A group organized by Londonderry High School senior Scott Feinberg, New Hampshire Students for the Protection of Gay Marriage, staged a protest before the meeting at the back entrance to Town Hall.

About 50 students held signs and chanted, "Equal is right." One lone protestor, Sue Ann Johnson of Litchfield, stood on the other side in support of Baldasaro's petition.

"We didn't vote for civil rights or interracial marriage," Feinberg said. "The representatives passed the law. We should let it be."

Feinberg had a prior commitment and could not be at the meeting. Michael Dente spoke on his behalf.

"It's about protecting the civil rights of all minorities," Dente said. "If the majority runs the game, then no right of a non-privileged person is safe."

Others who spoke against the petition said the town had more serious issues to focus on, like economic development.

"Democracy works and the people have spoken," resident Nancy Hendricks said. "We have vacant commercial and residential properties that threaten our community. Same sex marriage doesn't even make it onto our radar screen."

Resident Deb Nowicki said even though the vote in Concord approving gay marriage was close, 34 people didn't vote.

"There's no reason to change it now," she said. "We're wasting everyone's time when we have unbelievable challenges to deal with in this town."

Others disagreed.

"I want to express my voice to vote," Patricia Fenster said.

Several people waiting behind her to speak echoed her short statement.

All councilors present agreed not to accept the petition. Councilor Brian Farmer, who was absent, sent a written statement saying he did not support the petition.

Town Manager Dave Caron said Baldasaro has until March 3 to submit a third petition.

"It has to be received by Feb. 6, however," he said. "It will take a few days to verify the names (as registered voters) and it has to be done 30 days before the March 9 ballot."

If the petition is filed after Feb. 6, a special town meeting would be required.