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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Great. This has nothing to do with anything more than giving people the ability to validate legally the bond and commitment they have for one another. Cheers to those who have a solid relationship. My 2 cents to those who worry about children and what it will do to them: Having been raised in a straight household where daily parental conflict, name calling and fighting was the norm, any child being raised in a solid and loving household is the best environment, gay or straight.
Marie, Arlington, VA via Reading, MA
The only thing that was disappointing about this ruling is that it was 4:3. What the 3 dissenters were thinking is anyone's guess.
Rick, Wellesley
Donna from Boston wrote: i do not beleive that gay couples should marry. i beleive that things are fine the way they are. the bible does not state man and man or woman and woman. No one is chaning the bible are they??? then why change the law???? Hello Donna! Are you that dumb that you think all of our laws come from the Bible? If that were the case we would be having stonings in the center of town and we would be gouging out people's eyes! Wow, you must live in a messed up world.
Mr. Gay, Boston
Today is a joyous day for those who believe in freedom and equality in Massachusetts. I respect those who have a dissenting opinion because they are following their beliefs. I do disagree however, with letting religious beliefs dictate civil law. Those who disagree with today's decision may feel that GLBT people are "sinning," and you are free to feel that way... As long as your beliefs do not discriminate against others. I hope the legislature does the right thing and follows through with the challange of the SJC. Society will continue to grow and adapt to this new reality (Brimstone and Fire hasn't rained down on Vermont) we have faced major paradigm shifts in our society before and I'm sure we will again.
Justin, Somerville
We are witnessing the collapse of a once-great society, not from an invading army but from decay within.
Bob, Winchester
What a step in the right direction. The opion of the court does a great job discussing how people weren't ready to "accept" interracial marriages in 1948 either. People need to grow, be challenged, and adapt......for otherwise, they die! What a great day! Congratulations to everyone in Massachusetts.
Bryan, JP
Finally, the MA SJC has recognized that the GLBT community is asking for equal rights, not special rights, with the decision that denying Gay marriage is unconstitutional. This is strictly a legal and secular issue regarding recognition of a partnership between two people (not a person and an animal, get over that one already!) who should have the right to legally and financially support each other and their family without more effort and expense than two people of the opposite sex. So many people have commented that this is an abomination of the institution of marriage, however, these same individuals fail to admit what a mockery of this institution the heterosexual community has made of this institution over the last several decades. A man and a woman can meet, have sex, and apply for a marriage license the next day, and be divorced within six months, only to marry again, however, two people of the same sex who have been committed to each other for years cannot? Something is clearly wrong. Many people are confusing the civil and legal rights and responsibilities of marriage with the supposed moral and procreative definitions of marriage provided by the Catholic Church. This country was founded on the principal of separation of church and state over 219 years ago, however the church has its dirty nose in this issue. Gays are not asking for the Church’s blessing here. Doesn’t the Bible say somewhere, he who has not sinned shall cast the first stone? I hardly think the Catholic Church should be pointing fingers of morality after the recent scandals surrounding it. Finally, if the President, the Church and others are so worried about the institution of “marriage” then perhaps there should be a differentiation between religiously affiliated “marriage” and legal “marriage” gay or straight. Would that shut everyone up? All heterosexual couples do not get married in church, or get married to procreate, should they be denied as well?
Gregory, Boston
A sad day in state history.
Chris, MA
HOORAY! I am so happy today! I am elated that my gay and lesbian family members and friends are FINALLY seeing some equal treatment! It's about time! Opponents to this constiutional action should examine why they care so much what other people do. If they care so much about kids growing up "correctly" , then they should put more energy into helping poor families or kids who really need help! Or fathers who owe child support! Or the many cases in the news lately of foster kids who are being neglected! As society is concerned, any old hetero couple can have kids, but when it's a same sex couple involved, these close minded conservatives get upset! There are many REAL problems in the world. My gay and lesbian friends who have kids are among the best parents in the world and the kids are Wonderful! When people get upset about 2 loving, well educated, purposeful, lesbian social workers or the like having kids, while poor kids all over the state and country are in need, or being molested by priests, you know that these opponents have some major personal issues! Hooray! This is GREAT! Celebrate!
Amy, Cambridge
Bill from Manchester thinks our species will become extinct with this ruling. First, homosexual couples make up about 1% of the population. Second, if marriage was created solely for the purpose of procreation, then the marriages of heterosexual couples who do not or cannot produce children should be annulled since they have failed to serve their only purpose - otherwise, that argument is baseless. As for the comments regarding children, if you are gainst allowing homosexuals to have their own children or to adopt, then you believe that the worst heterosexual parents are better than the best homosexual parents – an absurd proposition.
Matt, Medford
