Tomorrow, New York will join Massachusetts as one of six states that recognize same-sex couples' right to marry, and our country comes a step closer to ensuring that every person is free to marry whomever they love. When Massachusetts became the first state to affirm marriage equality in 2004, opponents decried the decision, saying it would cause irreparable harm to our society. But in the seven years since, the sky hasn't fallen. In fact, the institution of marriage has been strengthened.
Our state simply affirmed the principle that all citizens come before their government as equals. Same-sex couples in Massachusetts have gained the security of knowing that their families have the same rights and protections as every other family, including health care benefits and hospital visitation rights. We've kept the government out of their personal, intimate decisions -- something citizens across the political spectrum understand and appreciate.
The celebrations that will take place across New York tomorrow are long overdue. Committed couples who have waited a lifetime to marry will do so in the coming days and weeks. But many more elsewhere continue to wait. Our experience in Massachusetts shows that fears about marriage equality are unfounded. We should never allow legalized discrimination against gay and
lesbian couples. With each state that embraces same-sex marriage as a matter of fundamental fairness, we move farther along the path to equality.
It would be refreshing if our progressive friends believed in economic freedom too, rather than numerous redistribution schemes labeled "social justice".
I don't care about your sexual preference, just don't bother me about it, and I won't bother you about mine.
Churches should have a restructuring of their tax-exempt status. Those that take care of their operations cost, should then have a zero balance at years end and divest the rest of the monies to communities they serve. Many churches enjoy the tax loophole, do not reinvest into the communities, and are sitting on MASSIVE FUNDS.
He is the worst governor we have ever had here in Massachusetts.
The failure to adhere to historical principles, norms and standards is the reason why our country has gone and continues to go downhill.
Deval Patrick is an unprincipled governor.
It is the failure of Patrick and others like him to adhere to historical standards and principles that is responsible for the state our country is in economically and otherwise. Our country continues to be headed down hill.
You do not have to do anything to ruin their decisions. I recommend looking at their own lives.
That would be an equitable way of dealing with some aspects of the issue, but it's not gonna happen. So as long as "the state" is involved, the discriminatory aspects have to be eliminated.
As for the "anyone/anything/any number of other entities" non-issue, these are just smoke screens, and have been well-rebutted many times, as I'm sure you're aware.
It's the ultimate example of someone wanting to take their ball and go home. They want to destroy the institution of marriage rather than share it with gays. Their belief in their privileged place in society is that strong.
I say again to those against gay marriage: why are you anti-family?
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They probably will say it's unconstitutional. And your life won't change.
Foxborough, MA