Lambda Legal Applauds Repeal of Discriminatory 1913 Law in Massachusetts

(New York, July 29, 2008) — The Massachusetts Legislature has repealed the 1913 anti-marriage law that barred out-of-state same-sex couples from marrying there, and Governor Patrick has already announced he will sign the bill. Lambda Legal issued the following statement from David Buckel, Marriage Project Director:

"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."

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Contact: Lisa Hardaway; Email: lhardaway@lambdalegal.org