Equal Marriage: Massachusetts Decision a Disappointment

April 1, 2006

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is disappointed in the Massachusetts court ruling that denies same-sex couples the right to travel to Massachusetts for a civil marriage, if the marriage would not be recognized in their home state. Massachusetts is the only state that recognizes same-sex marriage and continues to be at the center of many of the debates.

Instead of deciding that all couples deserve the right to marry and share the benefits conferred on marriage by the government, as heterosexual couples do, the court used a long-discredited 1913 law on inter-racial marriage to reach a conclusion that will treat couples differently based on their state of residence—in short, the law of the same-sex couple’s home state would determine whether the state of Massachusetts would allow them to marry.

Since 1971, NOW has been fighting for the right of all women to independence and self-determination, including the right to define and express her own sexuality and to choose her own lifestyle.

"Marriage confers a unique legal and social status that is recognized by governments around the world. Equality and fairness dictate that all loving couples, including same-sex couples, are deserving of the right to marry the person of their choice," says Melody Drnach, Action Vice President. "NOW activists are involved in the fight to secure marriage in states across the country. We will not give up until the hearts and minds of people are open and welcoming of all couples who want to marry. This includes same-sex couples who want safe, healthy, and happy families sharing in the benefits of our legal system and protection under the laws of our country," says Drnach.

More information:

• USA Today Story: Court: Gays can't come to Mass. to marry
• Case information from Findlaw.com