Thursday, 4:30 PM
Murray wants to repeal law
By Lisa Wangsness and Andrea Estes, Globe staff
The newly elected president of the state Senate said she favors repealing a law that prevents most same-sex couples from other states from getting married here, saying she did not share former governor Mitt Romney’s fear that Massachusetts would become a gay marriage mecca.
Therese Murray, a Plymouth Democrat, also said she thought there was a good chance of passage for a bill before the Legislature that would strike a 1913 law barring the issuance of marriage licenses to out-of-state couples who would not be allowed to marry in their state of residence.
"It’s an antiquated law," Murray said.
But a repeal, which is also supported by House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi and Governor Deval Patrick, could provoke broader controversy when activists are trying to stop the Legislature from sending a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage to the 2008 ballot. Proponents of gay marriage are not currently lobbying for repeal because they fear it could stir up antigay sentiment and hurt their chances of defeating the amendment.
Murray made her comments during a 45-minute interview in her office covering a wide range of issues she will face in her new job. During the interview, she expressed concern about the state’s revenue picture and suggested that lawmakers should consider new revenue sources.
She said a special commission is being appointed by the governor and Legislature to review the state’s corporate tax structure and report back by June 1 and that if the commission supports any of Patrick’s proposed changes in what he calls corporate tax loopholes, the Legislature may pass them this year.
