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Log Cabin Republicans Executive Director Patrick Guerriero on Granting of Marriage Licenses in Massachusetts

May 17, 2004

(Boston, MA) – "Today hundreds of loving, law-abiding couples in Massachusetts will accept the responsibilities of caring for each other for life, through the granting of civil marriage licenses."

"This morning at 12:01 I was honored to be present at the granting of the first civil marriage licenses for same sex couples in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I can report that despite what the voices of intolerance are saying, the sky will not fall today. No marriage will be threatened today and no church or religious institution will be forced to do anything. The only thing that has happened and will continue to happen is that two people who love each other and want to take care of each other for life will now be subject to the equal protection of the law."

"The far right will try to use the basic recognition of these relationships as fuel to write discrimination into the US Constitution through an anti-family amendment. Regardless of how one may feel about what is happening here in Massachusetts, such an amendment is unnecessary and flies in the face of conservative principles."

"While today's events were made possible by the courageous and principled decision of a court, with 6 of 7 members appointed by Republicans, we understand that the battle for equality for gay and lesbian families must not only be won in the courts, but also in legislatures around the country and in the hearts and minds of the American people. We hope that the people of this great country will see these couples here in Massachusetts and understand that this is part of the struggle to strengthen, not weaken, the American family."