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Log Cabin Republicans Praise Historic Massachusetts Vote Protecting Marriage Equality

Statement of President Patrick Guerriero

September 14, 2005

(Washington, DC) – "The people of Massachusetts have spoken, and it is clear that the people of this great state support civil marriage equality. By an overwhelming vote of 157 to 39 the people's voices have been heard today at this Constitutional Convention. I was privileged to spend the last few months lobbying former colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and I was even more privileged to be at the State House today to watch as courageous Republicans and Democrats stood up for basic fairness for all families in Massachusetts, including gay and lesbian families.

"I was moved when the first speech given today was by a Republican State Senator, Brian Lees. Senator Lees, who had been the lead co-sponsor of the amendment that would have outlawed same-sex marriage, spoke courageously in favor of civil marriage equality. Senator Lees words echoed the feelings of the overwhelming majority of the people of this state, 'Gay marriage has begun, and life has not changed for the citizens of the commonwealth, with the exception of those who can now marry.'

"Public opinion polls in Massachusetts show overwhelming support for civil marriage equality, and today's vote reflects that support. In fact, an April 2005 poll showed that more than 60% of Massachusetts voters support protecting civil marriage equality.

"Over the past year, more than 6,500 loving, tax-paying, law-abiding couples in Massachusetts have embraced the lifelong responsibilities that come with marriage. Today's latest attempt by the far right to destroy marriage in Massachusetts is the last gasp of a movement whose outlandish claims about civil marriage equality are being proven wrong every day in the Bay State.

"The forces of intolerance and exclusion should heed the will of the people and recognize that their efforts to roll back civil marriage equality are doomed."