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 so glad to see this step in the right direction. Now only two challenges remain. First, Beacon Hill has to actually produce a new law on gay marriage. Second, bigoted DOMA movements must be prevented from restricting the meaning of the law as happened with Vermont civil unionship. For many years I have waited for this decision. It is always difficult to debate such issues with the over-zealous, as they cannot see past their scriptures and it is especially difficult to combat fear of change. Still, the Christian right has no reason to belittle gay marriage as long as the institution marriage is in shambles as it stands. How can gay marriages be wrong or evil when people can call into a TV show, in effect casting their votes for two people who do not even know each other to get married? If anything, the inclusion of gays into the institution of marriage will help to set this faltering ideal back onto its feet.
Michael , Brighton
I'm glad that there are others out there that finally see how wrong it is to deny same-sex couples the right to marry. This second class citizenship that I am forced to live with is degrading. The times they are a' changing. I hope they continue to change for the better.
Kimeee, Somerville
All of us, and I do mean ALL, should breathe a sigh of relief that the SJC at least knows the difference between a civil marriage and a religious one.
Rosemary, Beverly
The marriage of any two consenting adults should be allowed. I'm thrilled with this ruling. The old idea of family consisting of a father, mother and children as a support network is outdated. There are numerous single parent households, households where a grandparent is raising the child. Anywhere there is love and responsiblity, it's a good place to raise a child.
melissa, boston
Fantastic. Fantastic Fantastic. Brought me to tears this morning.
Dee Dee, Manchester NH
I applaud the court's decision whole-heartedly. It's about time that this level of common decency and respect was displayed.
Nicole, Leominster
Fantastic! It's about time that this ruling has come through. I am sick when I think that a loving couple cannot get married just because of their sex, especially when we see straight people getting married for the sake of money on all these reality tv shows.
Sarah, Boston
As a gay man, who has been in a relationship for 14 years, and are raising 2 children ages 9 and 7, I applaud the sjc's ruling, but wished they could've granted the licenses outright. I think it is just sad, and scary, that the fate of our lives rest in other's hands to begin with. And now we'll have to listen to endless debates over whether I should have the same legal rights as my fellow heterosexual citizens. And whether i am a fit parent to raise my children. But where are they when my kids are sick and i'm taking off work to bring them to the doctor. And staying up nights with them to make sure they are well. I only hope that the legislators in this state, and at the national level could decide that there are more important issues and causes to fight for and spend money on, than denying their fellow citizens their legal deserved rights.
Paul , Jamaica Plain
I am so pleased to live in a state where something like this can happen! It's time that the gay community was lifted from their "second class" citizenship and allowed the same rights as the heterosexual community. This is a step in the right direction.
Jelena, Allston
Disgusting! Our world has sunk to a new low!
Andrew, Billerica
