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 am very happy that the SJC ruled today that same-sex couples are legally entitled to wed under the state constitution. The main point of marriage is that it is a demonstration of love and commitment to another human being. Same sex couples demonstrate this love and commitment just as deeply as opposite sex couples.
Mike, Somerville, MA
Its about time this should have been done a long time ago.
Thomas, S. Yarmouth
Hmm. Scrolling through 30-odd pages of opinions, I can't help but notice patterns starting to form on the anti-marriage side of the argument. Here's a tip, people- be sure to check your spelling, excessive punctuation, and use of capitals before you post. Misuse of any of the above makes you look like a moron. Sacredness of marriage? Foundation of our society? We’ve become a culture that speaks to each other using metaphors of the lowest common denominator, and the metaphors of marriage we’re currently using are embarrassingly outdated. Given that more than half of marriages end in divorce, that’s not a very firm foundation, is it? It seems to me as if certain individuals' ideals of marriage are quite separate from the actual realities. We’re talking about civil marriages, something that’s recognized by the state in a purely legal context. Please remember that there are lots of people out there who are not Roman Catholic or Baptist. You certainly don’t speak for God. My partner and I have been together in a loving and stable relationship for almost seven years. We’ve got a mortgage and a future, and no amount of screaming and yelling and gnashing of teeth and CAPITAL LETTERS is going to change that. Rail and hate all you want; You’ll only be upsetting yourself. This was going to happen- it was only a matter of time.
Michael, Roslindale
Thank God! It seems lately that George Bush and his arrogant, one dimensional way of thinking have been ruling our society and taking us backwards. It's so nice to see some intelligent decision making. Anybody possessing the smallest amount of reasoning ability can see that under a constitution in which everyone is treated equally, gay marriage would be allowed. If somebody loves someone else, regardless of sex, they should be given full marriage rights. I'm straight as an arrow, but I'm not an ignorant, frightened , homophobel. Good job MA. 100 Years from now people will look back on conservative ideas and LAUGH at how meat-headed they were. Wake up people!
Jeff , Allston, MA
I am ecstatic- I shouted with happiness in the middle of my office when I read the headline. As a married, heterosexual woman, I have never understood why so many heterosexuals are so threatened by gay marriage. I can only surmise the heteros have doubts about their own relationships if they react in that manner. Discrimination against gays and lesbians is somehow the last "acceptable" form of discrimination in this country, and it needs to stop. And to all the conservative, religious people out there who think that marriage should be between a man and woman for procreation purposes- then should we end all marriages that don't result in children? I hope the legislature has the courage to move forward in the appropriate way, and accomplish its task of representing THE PEOPLE- because the people have made their voices heard, gay marriage is a wonderful thing, and it's about time. Oh, and to the man who suggested that marrying his dog is what's coming next- maybe that's what floats his boat, but the last time I checked, gays and lesbians were human, and subject to the same protections, rights and freedoms as the rest of us.
Elizabeth, Cambridge
It's a step in the right direction. There are quite a few more victories before same-sex couples can be married, though. It's time to stop our anti-gay laws and give same-sex couples the same basic rights straight couples have. I am aghast at Romney's reaction and I criticize HIM for being such a close-minded homophobe!
Michael , Cambridge
The BIble says that marriage is only between a man and a woman. Man, aren't we sick of hearing people use the bible to justify their cause? All of these people who are opposed to gay marriage are like the people who were opposed to inter-racial marriage. The younger generation is much less bigoted than the older generation - and as the young grow up, their votes will outnumber those conservatives who's numbers are dwindling.
John, Plymouth
Less than one percent of the population is homosexual and we're being told to accept this ruling. Less than one percent. In that vain, less than one percent of the population practice cannibalism, yet we don't legalize that. Just because something occurs doesn't make it right. I shouldn't be told to accept something that I don't believe is right, either through personal or religious beliefs. There are ways to give the same rights without going down this road.
Chris, Ayer, MA
I believe that marriage if a union between a man and a woman., with moral foundations that are based on God given laws. This decision proves further that this countiy's morals are currupt and it has no regard for setting goals that protect nature or the creative order of things.
S Burton, Boston, MA
This is a great day for Massachusetts and a great day for America. This ruling hurts no one and is a tremendous help to so many. I hope the Massachusetts legislature follows the rule of law and common sense. Civil Unions are not Civil Marriages and we are fighting for the 1,049 additional rights (according to GLAD) afforded to hetrosexual marriages. I'm happy enough to dance on John Ashcroft's desk !
Gregory, Boston
