Applause for Massachusetts House Repeal of Restrictive 1913 Marriage Law

Filed Under Gay Marriage, Legal, Politics | July 30th, 2008 

Old Laws NewsOn Tuesday, The Massachusetts Legislature repealed the 1913 anti-marriage law that barred out-of-state same-sex couples from marrying there in a 118-to-35 vote, and Governor Patrick has already announced he will sign the bill.

David Buckel, Marriage Project Director for Lambda Legal issued this statement:

“Massachusetts is taking down the ‘Do Not Enter’ sign that applied only to same-sex couples. This is thrilling news to the same-sex couples we hear from in other states, especially New York, who are seeking a place where they can marry under the law without leaving the country or traveling to the other side of the continent. We congratulate the leaders and advocates in Massachusetts who worked so hard to eliminate this discriminatory barrier.

“A wonderful new opportunity has opened up for same-sex couples in New York where marriages from other jurisdictions are widely respected under state law. Thousands of couples married in Canada, but many chose not to travel to Canada, holding out to share the joy of their marriage in their own community with family and friends. Massachusetts may be close enough to allow loved ones to attend the wedding.

“But all same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in their home state, just as other couples do. Lambda Legal is working to uphold our trial court victory in Iowa, where the court ruled that excluding same-sex couples from marriage is unconstitutional. And we join our colleagues at GLAD in hoping for a favorable ruling from the state Supreme Court in Connecticut in the case they brought there.”

Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force said:

“Massachusetts lawmakers wisely dismantled the barrier to same-sex couples from other states who wish to marry in the Commonwealth. We look forward to the signature of Governor Patrick on this legislation. The 1913 law, a shameful vestige from another wrong-headed time of denying marriage to interracial couples, became Gov. Mitt Romney’s archaic tool in his unsuccessful bid to deny the freedom to marry to same-sex couples. Not only does today’s House vote repudiate Romney’s efforts to block our marriages in Massachusetts, it also invites couples from around the United States to experience the joy and happiness of celebrating their lives by becoming married in the Bay State.

“We applaud MassEquality, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, and the many others who worked so long and hard to achieve and protect marriage equality in Massachusetts.”

Sources: Lambda Legal & The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force