Mass. House set to debate gay marriage Tuesday
BOSTON—The House is about to begin much anticipated debate on whether out-of-state gay couples should be allowed to wed in Massachusetts.
A person close to House leadership said debate would begin Tuesday on the repeal a 1913 law that prevents out-of-state gays from marrying in Massachusetts. The law says couples can't marry if their unions would be illegal in their home states.
The person demanded anonymity because the legislative calendar usually remains in flux until a session officially begins.
The Senate already passed a repeal, and Gov. Deval Patrick has said he would sign it if the House follows suit.
Massachusetts in 2004 became the first state to allow gay couples to marry.
State officials say repealing the law would provide an economic boon, since California recently legalized gay marriage without a residency requirement.
