Ten years ago today in Massachusetts...

[alp227]

Ten years ago today, Massachusetts became the first state to recognize marriage equality. The landmark Goodridge decision has helped enact marriage equality laws in fifteen other states & Washington D.C. A special thank you to GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders) for years of tireless work on behalf of the LGBT community and equality.

Facebook post by Sen. Ed Markey

The Boston Globe article from 11/19/03: Gays have right to marry, SJC says in historic ruling

In a historic and long-awaited decision, a deeply split Supreme Judicial Court yesterday ushered in a new era of gay rights, becoming the nation's first state supreme court to rule that same-sex couples have the legal right to marry.

In the 4-3 decision, the court's majority ruled that the centuries-old notion of marriage as limited to a man and a woman should be updated to define the institution as the exclusive, "voluntary union of two persons as spouses."

The majority based the decision on the equal protection and due process provisions of the Massachusetts constitution, saying they guarantee the right for same-sex couples to marry. The ban against gay marriage, like the earlier ban on interrace marriage, is rooted in prejudice, Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall wrote for the court.

"The Massachusetts Constitution affirms the dignity and equality of all individuals," Marshall wrote. "It forbids the creation of second-class citizens." The court gave the Legislature 180 days to change state law to comply with the decision. But even if the Legislature does nothing, same sex couples would still have the right to marry sometime after early May of next year.

AP feature from 11/16: A decade after Mass. ruling, gay marriage gains

In the decade since the highest court in Massachusetts issued its landmark ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, 14 other states and the District of Columbia have legalized it, with Illinois poised to become the 16th in a few days.

Such gains were considered almost impossible before Massachusetts opened the door on Nov. 18, 2003, with a Supreme Judicial Court ruling that declared a ban on gay marriages unconstitutional. Opponents made doomsday predictions about how gay marriage would damage traditional marriage and lead to problems with children raised in same-sex households.

[Xipe Totec]

1. I was so proud of my state that day

The spirit of America.

[Mnemosyne]

2. K&R nt

[sheshe2]

3. I love my state of Massachusetts!

What a great milestone!

Thanks alp~

[Aristus]

4. Thank you, Massachusetts; Cradle of American Liberty!

[intheflow]

5. I remember it well!

Such a triumphant day. Made me so proud of my home state even though I've transplanted to Colorado. It was a beautiful day that opened up so much for so many couples this past 10 years.