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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Just wrong.......the same sex cannot be "married." What's next.....people fighting for the right to marry their dogs or cats since love is love and they too should not face discrimination. A line needs to be drawn and maintained. If gay people want to live together etc....fine. The state should not become involved. Oh, Massachusetts, you pathetic liberal bastion. Again, we are the laughing stock of the country. This is what you get when you have such liberal judges. Time for me to move to NH.
Brian, Boston
Is the irony of someone from New Orleans, home of Bourbon street, Mardi Gras, and free-for-all strip clubs, calling MA Sodom and/or Gommoroh, apparent to anyone else? Sure, gays may marry up here. AT least they're not passed out in a pile of vomit in front of the she-males bar at 7 in the evening. The justices did right. They can't make the laws.
Larry, Brighton, MA
I'm 23 years old and a native of North Carolina. My brother is much older than me and gay. He has been in a monogamous relationship with his partner for over 15 years; I grew up knowing them only as a couple. I was also brought up a Southern Baptist. I have a right, by my faith, to interpret "God's word" for myself. In my mind, these two men are more deserving of God's love than most people although I can't imagine God judging anyone the way that some of you do. Most of people around here are taught to love a person based upon the quality of their actions regardless of color, sex, or religion. Tom, my brother, and Dale, my "uncle" are a rich and valuable example for all of us. P.S. Dale will be my best man at my wedding (to my girlfriend) this winter.
Mike, North Carolina
I am thrilled that MA has taken such a drastic step forward.. Others nationally will soon follow.. Applause to the MA SJC!!!!
John, Albany NY
No Wonder the whole world is going to hell! God will get us -we are seeing all that is predicted - war - pestilence floods - fire.America we are on our way to eternal damnation starting with the big shots in the judicial system. God help us all because of you.
Benji, Boston, MA.
I am so pleased with the ruling to legalize gay marriages! I am a straight woman who is sensitive to the ruling because I have very dear friend, who happens to be a lesbian. She will be getting married next October...and it will be legal. I couldn't be more thrilled for her. I believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I find it hard to listen to those validating their opinion with this response, "As a Catholic..." Well, I too am a Catholic. I do not however allow my religion to influence my opinion, especially with this issue. I don't believe religion should have anything to do with the state's decision. Keep religion separate. Isn't it funny how one judge said, "you only marry to procreate." And in the catholic faith "you only marry to procreate," Funny because ever catholic I know has engaged in the act of procreation several times prior to being married, all while taking every preventative measure to avoid conception?!? Hmmm...sounds a bit hypocritical to me to validate your opinion with, "As a Catholic..." Not everyone gets married to "procreate." Some women cannot conceive a child, but that does not stop them from being married so that they can have the companionship and benefits. And some couples choose to never have children, yet they can still marry to receive benefits, and that is fine with the state. So the day has finally come...(as I hold my breath, and cross my fingers it lasts)... and all I can say is, "It's about time".
Leah, Salem, MA
The Governator taking the reins of office in California on Monday was depressing, but Tuesday's news of the Massachusett's SJC's validation of committed partnerships between two people regardless of their sex gave me great cause for celebration. This is not only a personal victory for those of us who happen to fall in love with those of our same sex, but also a recognition of the historical fact that concerns of the state and concerns of the church are separate. The statement that the legalizing or even mere recognition of same-sex unions is a threat to "traditional family values" is laughable considering that more than half of all conventional marriages end in divorce and there are more unmarried people heading households and raising children than ever before in our history. Recognizing the value of all relationships may actually strengthen our commitment to our families--stranger things have happened.
Susan, Berkeley, CA
It is absolutely horrifying how many people hate in the name of God. I am proud to live in a state that still believes in equality.
Brenna, Boston
I think this ruling is fantastic, although the Legislature needs to move quickly to allow these couples to officially wed. It's outrageous that same-sex couples are not afforded the same benefits and rights as heterosexual couples. I don't see why anyone can object to this ruling when it has no affect on anyone except for the couples who wish to wed. And I'm extremely disappointed in Senator Kerry's stance against this - it's a cowardly move for a Democrat. there goes my vote...
Alex, Boston
This is a fantastic step in the right direction for human rights. It is a shame that there are those out there that go through life wearing blinders and reciting antiquated religious doctrine to try and take two steps backward. To all of You : When the day comes and your little Susie wants to mary Evelyn, or little Timmy wants to marry Gerald, you will feel differently. Until then, please try and have some compassion for your fellow human being.
Robert, Somerville
