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 went through all these responses, beacuse i wanted to see how many were positive and how many were negative. I'm glad to say that most of these responses are positive. The few people who are still living in the past will eventually see the light. No second class citizens. Period. A great day for freedom.
Raj, Boston
I am appalled that the SJC would have the audacity to render this ruling! How dare the SJC flout the word of God! We all know the very purpose for having a government and a court system is to enforce the will of God, not the will of the people. That is why the 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads "The Congress shall make all laws to abridge the rights of those who do not strictly follow the word of God and the will of Jesus and all sinners shall be cast out of the nation." What is this world coming to, where a court enforces the law as drafted by the many and not morality as esposed by the few??? I weep for our generation: first the courts allowed blacks and whites to marry, now they allow homosexuals to marry? And why does the SJC have a say in marriage anyway? Just because the state issues marriage licenses and administers divorces, child custody, and probate matters is no reason to allow the SJC to tread its weighty foot upon the glory and sanctity of marriage! God's wrath shall be upon you, oh wicked ones of the SJC!!!
Whollier T., Eden
Thank you very much SJC for RECOGNIZING gay and lesbians as people much like themselves. We are all human beings regardless of our many differneces. For those who oppose gays and lesbians, shame on you! We were all created equally! We should all have the same rights and priviledges. It is just unfortunate that those in power, so they think, cannot see anything but money and politics. Last time I checked, I believe the Constitution starts out with: WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES...... NOT............. WE THE HETROSEXUALS OF THE UNITED STATES......
moe , roslindale
Well next we can sue to Marry our pets.....Let's not stop there, some people will want to Marry their possessions, next we can start having 3 way way weddings! This left wing court has trampled traditional family values. I have nothing against gay unions, but marriage is a sacrament created by and blessed by God. Who, whether you believe in Him or not, you will face one day. I hope the members of this court have a prepared answer when their time comes.
Tim
Fantastic!!! My joy at today's ruling is slightly dampened by the reminder of the massive intolerance that abounds even in this modern age. Most of all, I am amazed at the amount of people who use the Bible to justify their belief that homosexuality is a "sin." Do any of you actually _read_ the bible? I promise you, you could find justification to put every person in your life (including yourself) to death via stoning or burning at the stake. I'm attaching a piece done some time back after Dr. Laura "condemned" homosexuality. Perhaps it will open some eyes as to what the Bible really says. You can't pick and choose which passages to take literally and which to not take literally based on your own prejudice and fear. Dear Dr. Laura: Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I have learned a great deal from you, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to best follow them. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. How should I deal with this? I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as it suggests in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her? I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense. Lev. 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans but not Canadians. Can you clarify? I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself? A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 10:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Lev. 20:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here? I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Jane, Boston, MA
Whether for or against today's ruling, we should all be concerned when the Court makes the law for us. This decision was made without any public debate whatsoever and relied only upon the arguments prepared by a few attorneys. Frankly, I don't feel I understand this issue enough to form a comprehensive opinion and, sadly, today's ruling takes away the opportunity for me, or any one else, to ever hear these arguments in an important LEGISLATIVE debate.
Terry, Newton
I would like to thank the SJC for doing the right and just thing. What amazes me is that it took so long for something so right and so basic. But thats ok because the ball is rolling now and it will not stop until I am standing at the alter with my partner. I am actually enjoying the outrage from the religious right who once again are hiding behind the bible to mask thier prejudice. How DARE the church tell me how to live in light of recent events. This is a CIVIL case, say it with me all who oppose on religious grounds, this is a CIVIL case. Its nothing more than giving the rights everyone else enjoys and takes for granted. One final note, gay and lesbians will take thier marrages seriously after this fight, unlike 1/2 of sthe traight couples who simply take marrage for granted or a convenience.
Joe , Little Rock (Formally Haverhill)
Wake up boys....being scared AIN'T cool no more. Its time for equality, and evolution.
Robert, Somerville MA
It truly is a wonderful day for the Commonwealth and the rest of the Nation. I have read most of the other responses and I am struck by the apparent difference in intellect between those supporting same sex marriages and those opposing them. Those who support them raise several supporting statements, do so with eloquence, and possess no animosity. Those who are opposed appear not to have any supporting arguments why same sex couples should not wed, have tiny vocabularies and difficulty in articulating their views, and possess outright or hidden anger. I wonder if there is a correlation between IQs and belies about same sex marriages???
John B, Lowell
I am very saddened by this recent court ruling. Both for the homosexual community and heterosexual families. The constant breakdown of the fundamental institution in this country will have devastating effects for years to come. I have personally witnessed the destruction of good men and women who have chosen the gay lifestyle. I have wept and cared for many who because of extreme hurt and disfunction in their backgrounds have sought refuge in an even more painful heterosexual community. There is little hope found in this downward spiral. Let's serve and minister to those who are hurting instead of propping false hope in creating this mockery of marriage.
Paul, NH
