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'm glad to see that once again Massachusetts is setting a good example in the handling of social issues.... it's about time such an obvious violation of civil rights was ruled unconstitutional, and I hope civil union (or even marriage) legislation passes as soon as possible.
Maria, Chelmsford
Most of those who wrote here opposing the SJC decision and gay marriage in general bring up religious arguments. It seems therefore that there is some confusion, or even a failure on the other part of the argument to make clear to the objectors that this whole issue, the ruling, the marriage and all the implications have nothing to do with religion. It's simply a legal issue, concerning state authorities. It does not affect the churches or their religious tradtions and beliefs. You can still believe, if you wish, that in the eyes of God and your church, marriage is a sacred union of a man and a woman, and at the same time accept the legal contract that civil marriage is (and nothing more than that) in the eyes of the law. These two positions are not incompatible. If gay marriage proponents were trying to force a *religious* acceptance of gay marriage, then yes, you'd have every right to protest very strongly. But the issue we are discussing has nothing to do with that.
SK, Brighton, MA
Finally! On Julky 4, 2003 my husband and I were married at Toronto City Hall to celebrate and aaffirm or relationship and commitment of 18 years. Since then I have struggle to get the Commonwealth of Masachusetts, my employer, to grant my spouse the health insurance benefits to which were are entitled. Finally recognition that we have the right to marry and that they need to recognize our marriage.
Steven, Boston
