Same Sex Marriage Bill passes in
Massachusetts
15 June 2007
by Tina Keophannga, Contributing Writer for AnaiRhoads.org
AnaiRhoads.org -- After five years in Legislature, the Same Sex Marriage Bill has passed
with a vote of 115-45. Therefore, it is now legal for same-sex couples
to be wed legally in the State of Massachusetts.
The Bill will not be on the 2008
ballot to be voted upon by the citizens in the national elections, due
to the fact that 50 votes are needed to pass from State to National
Legislature.
The passing of this bill in Massachusetts marks a joyous day in the
battle for same-sex equality state-wide. Governor Deval Patrick (D), in his first major move toward unity and equality in Massachusetts, supported the choice of the Legislature as well stresses unity between the opposing parties.
"Those people on the other side of the road, they are your brothers and sisters too," Patrick expressed.
During the five years of debate, there were strong opinions on both
sides. The Conservative Right fought to preserve the sanctity of the act
of marriage between a man and a woman, as well as to define marriage as
outlined in religious text.
The Left argued the unconstitutionality of the Defense of
Marriage Act, which banned same-sex marriage due to its definition, but
allowed civil unions. These unions do not allow the same benefits as
marriage, which provides Social Security pension, Medicaid, and annual
tax deductions.
In a national poll taken by ABC news in June 2006, the majority of the
United States still opposes same-sex marriage by a margin of 25 percent. The
next time that this Bill can be voted on will be in 2010, and hopefully the bill
will pass on to the National Legislature where it can be voted on not
only by the American Citizens, but by Congress as well.
Equality is a
standard to be fought for, and the passage of this bill in Massachusetts
is the first step toward national equality for same-sex partners everywhere.
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