THE MESSAGE

The Sky Has Not Fallen

May 17, 2007 was the third anniversary of same-sex couples being able to marry in Massachusetts. Since then, more than 9,000 gay and lesbian couples have exchanged vows of marriage in Massachusetts, ensuring that they and their families are safer and more secure...and the sky has not fallen.

• Although opponents of equality claim the sky will fall if we have marriage equality, Massachusetts proves this is not true (along with Canada and the other countries who also ended exclusion from marriage). Same-sex couples seeking to marry are not saying "let's have no rules." They are saying, "let us have what you have -- the freedom to marry the person we love with the same rules, same responsibilities, and same respect."

• None of the legislators who voted for marriage were defeated for reelection, and several pro-marriage challengers toppled anti-gay or less supportive incumbents -- not just in Massachusetts, but also in California.

Happy Memorial Day to all! The MMM will not be sent out on Monday, May 28th, but will return on Monday, June 4th.

The Report By M. V. Lee Badgett, Ph.D July 2004	The Resource What are They Saying? Attack Campaigns (Freedom to Marry)
The Number 10: states that now recognize second-parent adoption	The Map 2007 Proposed Anti-Marriage/ Relationship Recognition State Constitutional Amendments

THE SPOTLIGHT: Massachusetts

While people in Massachusetts took a moment May 17th to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of gay and lesbian couples being able to marry, the fight to defend marriage equality continues. An anti-marriage constitutional amendment has been proposed in the Massachusetts Legislature, and could come to a vote at the Legislature's Constitutional Convention on June 14, 2007. Though nearly 3/4's of the legislature now opposes this discriminatory amendment, unless 3/4's plus one vote to block it, it will go to the ballot in November 2008.

Marriage equality advocates have been working around the clock to defeat this attempt at restoring discrimination in Massachusetts law. MassEquality, one of the tenacious organizations leading this fight, launched a multi-media campaign entitled, "It’s Wrong to Vote on Rights," on the same day as the anniversary. While legislative opposition to an amendment has grown eightfold since November 2003, again proving the sky has not fallen in Massachusetts since marriage equality, a handful of votes are still needed to spare families and the state an ugly campaign and continued uncertainty.

THE NEWS

For the latest news, opinions, and polls, including these articles, check out our website.

National

Marriage Equality Marches Bridge Country
365Gay.com; May 20, 2007
Several thousand people rallied for same-sex marriage rights on opposite sides of the country over the weekend, crossing the country's two most famous bridges.

For better or worse
Daily News Tribune; May 18, 2007
On June 27, 2004, Johnson and Repp became a legally recognized married couple with a wedding at First Parish Church in Watertown. "For the first time - and I didn't even realize this - I felt equal," said Repp.

Regional

On The Marriage Equality Issue, What Would Thomas Hooker Do?
Hartford Courant; May 20, 2007
The base argument against same-sex marriage seems to be rooted in tradition. People who would keep gays and lesbians from marrying stand on the bedrock of what-we've-always-done.

Governor, House Speaker and Senate President address Marriage Equality Rally
EDGE Boston; May 18, 2007
In a clear sign of the growing momentum to defeat an anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment at next month’s constitutional convention (ConCon) Gov. Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Sal DiMasi came out forcefully against the amendment.