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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BRAVO!! It's a step in the right direction!
Dylan, Cambridge
''...We share a common humanity .... '' -- SJC Justice John M. Greane This excerpt from the longer quote on the boston.com front page captures the essence of the issue for me. I celebrate this decision and support it wholeheartedly. Let's just hope the momentum continues.
Jane, Chelmsford
It's about time. They deserve to get the same benefits that straight couples do.
Allison, Boxborough
Right now, I am so proud to be a resident of this state. Legalizing gay marriage is not only the right thing to do for the affected communities, but it is also the right thing to do for everyone. This ruling sends a message of equality to all of us and our posterity. We can only work and live together if we are all equal in the eyes of the law. I would like to thank all of the wonderful organizations who did much of the behind the scenes work such as the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD, the Justices of the Supreme Court, and of course, the brave couples who made this happen. I hope they hear wedding bells soon!
Melinda, Brighton, MA
It is a little silly that only now, in the 21st century, that gay marriage is finally getting some validation. It's interesting that conservatives want government to stay out of THEIR lives, but welcome interference when it comes to the "morality" of others. Whose business is it if a gay couple wants to be married, and how does it affect anyone but themselves? Marriage shouldn't be an exclusive club, but rather open to anyone crazy enough to take the plunge...
Kim, Pittsburgh
Today was a step in the right direction. This country should feel humbled and deeply moved that two people would be so dedicated to one another that they would fight desperately for the chance to experience something that an embarrassing number of heterosexual couples completely take for granted.
BLV, Somerville
As a neighbor to the North, I applaud the courage of this ruling and hope that one day New hampshire can display the same degree of wisdom. "LEF, Boston" wrote in this same forum: "I ask the state legislature to respect the ruling, expedite the issuance of licenses and not compromise the rights of gays and lesbians.". I hope they do as you ask LEF, rather than yield to conservative, religious-right politics in an attempt to "one up" the court who have simply affrimed that sexual preferences & allignments have nothing to do with our basic human and civil rights. Chris, Portsmouth, NH
Chris, Portsmouth
What's unclear from the reporting on the story (I haven't yet had a moment to read the text of the ruling itself) is whether this extends to, and stops at, legal recognition of a state of marriage (and all the legal benefits and burdens thereof) or whether it forces churches and religious organizations to recognize such marriages. I sincerely hope it's the former, as marriage in the state's eyes should be entirely gender neutral. However, if we are to force, for example, the catholic church to perform and recognize gay marriages, I think the SJC would have severely overstepped their bounds and crossed the line preventing separation of church and state. Such separation must go both ways; one cannot say religion has no place in government while arguing that government has a place in religion.
Bryan, Boston
This ruling should be thrown out - marriages are for a union between one man and one woman. Period.
SCK, Boston
For those of you who feel that God would be displeased... I think that you should let Him do as He will later... though I have to belive that God loves all regardless of who WE love... isn't that what He and His Son taught us? To love one another? I didn't think that meant - unless they love another of the same gender - or unless you think that I would disapprove...
H, Melrose
