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(Minneapolis) - Today's groundbreaking decision by the Massachusetts
Supreme Judicial Court ending sex discrimination in civil marriage is an
example of achieving justice that other states should emulate, according
to OutFront Minnesota, the state's leading organization serving the gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.
"This inspirational ruling, holding that civil marriage must be open to
same-sex couples on the same terms as different-sex couples, represents
the culmination of decades of work toward equality for all gay and
lesbian people," declared OutFront Minnesota Executive Director Ann M.
DeGroot. "We look forward to the day when all same-sex couples may marry
in all 50 states, not just in one."
Coming on the heels of a similar ruling in Ontario, expected ultimately
to end discrimination in marriage across Canada, and in light of the
landmark decision June 26 by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the
nation's remaining sodomy laws, today's announcement marks a watershed
moment in the gay rights movement, said OutFront Minnesota Public Policy
Director Monica Meyer. "It will never be possible again in this country
to say that 'same-sex marriage is an impossibility,' or that the world
will end if the traditional, heterosexuals-only definition is changed,"
she stated. "The terms of the debate are changed forever."
The Massachusetts ruling is likely to set off at least one important
legal battle, predicted OutFront Minnesota Legal & Policy Analyst Phil
Duran. "In the relatively near future, we can expect a court case
challenging the federal law that withholds recognition of same-sex
marriages for such purposes as Social Security benefit eligibility,"
Duran suggested. "However, because Massachusetts law voids marriages
performed for out-of-state couples whose home states would also void the
marriage, there will not likely be a flood of lawsuits in other states,
including Minnesota."
DeGroot pointed out that heterosexual couples will not see their
marriages affected one way or another. "Gay and straight couples will
continue to marry for the same reasons people currently get married: to
demonstrate their love and commitment, and to provide a legal foundation
for their families," she said.
Contact:
Monica Meyer, Public Policy Director
(612) 822-0127, ext. 115
Ann M. DeGroot, Executive Director
(612) 822-0127, ext. 107
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