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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I was under the impression that the Judicial Branch was there to enforce laws and interpret laws not make them. That is why we have the legislature. While I may or may not agree with this ruling, I thought the spirit of this country was that no one person can create a law without hearing the voice of all people. But hey what do I know.
Steve, MA
Awesome, Its About Time. Contact your state rep and demand they get on board!
Tom, Danvers
"Simple principles of decency dictate that we extend to the plaintiffs, and to their new status, full acceptance, tolerance, and respect. We should do so because it is the right thing to do.'' ---- SJC Justice John M. Greaney Simple principles of decency. I couldn't have said it better myself.
P.M., Stow, MA
I have read all of the responses so far and all I can say is I have been torn over this issue for a while. While I am a gay man I am also a Catholic, and it is hard to say that civil marriage and religious marriage have not become completely interwoven in our society. Its not easy for either side to say there is a clear and easy distinction between the two. I am still not sure the term marriage should be used. However, after reading some of the hateful and negative responses on here I cannot help but say, THANK GOD for the decision. Perhaps if anything else it will expose those who quote the Bible and stamp their feet in rage of what they "Know" God would want as the idiots they are. Let's remember Bible Beaters, God's Greatest Commandment was to love others as you love yourself, way to show how pious and christian you are with your less than enviable statements.
Patrick, Boston
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the hot button issue of the 2004 election. This is wonderful news for all Americans, gay and straight. The progress of civil rights in this country continues its slow move forward. All the tired arguments of the right will be laid to bed. If marraige is a union under God then can me and my straight girlfriend get married even though we don't believe in God? If it is about creating children then should we allow those who are barren to marry? Apparently the moral right has a connundrum here but that's nothing new to them. And to Ed in Needham who believes gays have a life span of 49 years, well all I can say is it's a good thing that people with your beliefs are dying off, God doesn't want your bigotry on his Earth anyways.
Orion, Somerville
100% supportive, this is fantastic.
Kris, Carrboro, NC
It's about time!
Rachel, Medford
I applaud the SJC for their humanity and sensibility regarding the law. Unfortunately, the level of anti-gay and homophobic rhetoric will increase dramatically from those who wish to continue to discriminate against their fellow human beings. Those who oppose institutionalized bias and discrimination of all kinds must unite their voices so that reason can prevail.
Michael, Malden
Regarding the great "American" who posted his thought that "it's time for the Taliban" in response to today's ruling: thank you for clarifying the special bond between America's religious conservatives and religious extremists everywhere. Thank God that this country was founded on the principles of liberty and justice for all! And Thank You to the four Massachusetts Supreme Court justices who ruled in favor of equal rights for all citizens of the commonwealth .
Chris, Boston
Gay people should have the same rights as heterosexual men and women. The high divorce rate in this country is not due to gay men and women disrupting marriages, but the married couples themselves. The catholic church is in no position to be lecturing to us how to behave right now, especially when it comes to sexual mores.
John, Sudbury
