Share your reaction to the gay marriage decision
Massachusetts's highest court ruled 4-3 that same-sex couples are legally entitled to wed under the state constitution, but stopped short of allowing marriage licenses to be issued to the seven couples who challenged the law. The court ordered the Legislature to come up with a solution within 180 days. What are your thoughts on the issue?
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Congratulations to the Supreme Court Justices who allowed another historic ruling for gay rights. While this may begin yet another contentious period on the subject, it is inevitable that gay marriage will eventually become a legal right nationally (most conservatives will even concede this). Time is now the largest factor.
Bryan
I think it's wonderful! About time gays and lesbians enjoyed some equal status under the law. As for those who say gay marriage "threatens" heterosexual marriage, check the divorce rate in this country. Gays can't "threaten" it much more than the heterosexuals do already.
Chris, Boston
Dear BRYAN G, CHICOPEE MA. God is not the governing body of the United States of America. We are not a theocracy. Just because your religion thinks a union between two members of the same sex is an affront to your beliefs does not mean it's wrong. Marriage is about the ultimate commitment of love. To say that's only allowed for a man and a woman is foolish. You're not being forced to change your beliefs, but rather to accept the fact that what you believe isn't what's best for everyone. God didn't define marriage. It's a word. Simple as that. Please stop thinking like Jack Chick (www.chick.com) You give Christians a bad name.
Raymond , Southie
The SJC has struck a blow for freedom and dignity as far reaching as any since the 1960's. The court showed both farreaching vision and integrity in making this decision. I am also heartened by the substantially positive reaction of those on this forum. (An aside: For those of a Christian religious persuasion, in my humble opinion, the Jesus of the New Testament would be affirming this decision, as well. And it is hardly an attack on the family to recognize the diversity of today's family structures. It is no skin off the nose of hetero families like the one I am part of to afford gay and lesbian couples the same respect and recognition we receive.)
Tom, Midwest
It’s about time! If marriage was only a religious institution (as so many of our “good” Christians would have us believe), then why is it possible to be married in a courthouse? Marriage is a CIVIL Right, not a religious one. Keep your God out of my life!
anon, anon
It is about time! Congrats to the SJC for doing the right thing!
Lisa , Brockton
This is a good thing but people should expect a backlash. Legislators will be under pressure from Catholic groups and other right-wingers to pass the Defense of Marriage Act or something similar to counter this. Anybody in favor of today's ruling should show their support for it by contacting their legislators and indicating support
Cautiously optimistic, Plymouth
This is why I am so proud to be from Massachusetts. I always loved it, but this is just unreal. It is about time for the gay marriage movement to recieve some positive feedback, and what better state to kick off the latest movement for equality. I am a catholic heterosexual, but you know what, I am also human, and so are gays and lesbians. The movement for equality was at its peak in the 60s and 70s with civil rights and liberties. I do not understand how ANYONE can argue that segregating and discriminating against blacks is different in any degree to gays and lesbians. The fact of the matter is that we are all humans. "Marriage" was defined by humans. Maybe, traditionally, marriage has implied a union between a man and woman, but times are changing and the definition needs to evolve with the times. Thank you Massachusetts, so much, for moving this great nation in the right direction.
Martha, Cohasset, MA
This is the right decision. Time to join the 21st century. The age of discrimination (all forms of it) is long, LONG past.
Ivan , Medford
I never understood why such a big deal was made about not allowing it.
Susan, Mansfield
