Repeal of 1913 law heads to governor's desk

By Globe Staff

A bill repealing a 95-year-old law that prevents gay and lesbian couples from most other states from marrying in Massachusetts has been enacted in the state House and Senate and is headed to the desk of Governor Deval Patrick, who has said he will sign it.

The new law is considered a major victory for advocates of same-sex marriage rights. It will open the doors for potentially thousands of same-sex couples to cross the border and marry in Massachusetts.

The House and Senate attached an emergency preamble to the bill, meaning that it will go into effect as soon as the governor signs it.

Patrick said Tuesday that the "1913 law is outdated and discriminatory. Repealing it is the right thing to do."

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