Massachussetts Gay Legislative Victory
NCLR Hails Massachusetts Victory
A Statement from NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell
San Francisco, CA - June 14, 2007
Today, Massachusetts legislators voted 151 to 45 to defeat a measure that would have marred the Massachusetts Constitution by excluding same-sex couples-who have been free to marry in Massachusetts for the past three years-from civil marriage. As a result of this victory, same-sex couples in Massachusetts and across the country can breathe a huge sigh of relief: the freedom to marry in Massachusetts is now resoundingly secure. Those who seek to turn back the clock on justice and equality have been handed a bruising defeat that will resonate throughout the country for generations to come. In future years, we will look back on today's vote as the beginning of a new era-a hard-won tipping point in the fierce battle to overcome discrimination against our families and to achieve a true measure of dignity and respect.
The credit for today's victory belongs to Massachusetts Equality, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Love Makes a Family, and countless others who worked tirelessly along with many other partners and allies to make this victory possible. Credit also belongs to Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, who stood fearlessly beside our community in this historic human rights struggle, as well as to the 151 legislators who had the courage and integrity to just say no to bigotry and discrimination. This is a history-making day, and we are all the beneficiaries of the hard work of our Massachusetts friends and colleagues.
There is much to do in many other states. In the coming weeks, months and years marriage cases will be decided in California, Maryland, Connecticut and Iowa and marriage equality bills will be heard in a growing number of state legislatures. Now more than ever, your voice must be heard. We urge you to do all you can to win full equality for our relationships and families. With your support and commitment, NCLR will continue to play a leadership role in this fight for justice.
For more information about NCLR's role as lead counsel in the California marriage case and our work on behalf of same-sex couples and their families in other states, please visit www.nclrights.org.
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