Mass. SJC to Hear 1913 Law Challenge

The out-of-state couples who lost their lower court challenge to the 1913 Massachusetts law which bans issuance of marriage licenses to out-of-state couples whose marriage would not be allowed in their home state have been granted a direct appeal to the state's high court. Final briefs are due at the Supreme Judicial Court by May 27. No oral argument date has been set.

Governor Romney, meanwhile, has been courting national support for an expected presidential run in 2008. Part of his challenge has been trying to reinforce the idea that he opposes both gay marriage and civil unions, although for political reasons he supported the "compromise" amendment which would ban same-sex marriage but establish civil unions. Last year Gov. Romney exhausted all his possible means (and tried some that probably weren't actually within his power) to prevent the Goodridge decision from coming into effect on May 18.

Part of his recent speech in South Carolina to a Republican group included a discussion of Goodridge and this statement regarding gay families: "Some are actually having children born to them."

Yes, Governor. Gay couples are having children. Gay couples have been having children for decades. Gay people can legally adopt their partners children in Massachusetts. Gay individuals and couples can foster and adopt children in Massachusetts. Gay couples can legally marry in Massachusetts. And these people, their friends, relatives, and other supporters of their rights all vote.

Right now you are our governor. It would be nice if you remembered that we are equal citizens of your state.

No Massachusetts Con-Con Until the Fall

Boston.com reports today that State House insiders have stated that Senate President Robert E. Travaglini will not call a constitutional convention until the fall. The main purpose of the con-con would be to hold a second vote on the proposed amendment that would ban gay marriage but establish civil unions. Travaglini reportedly wants the legislature to spend the spring and summer focusing on more pressing issues.



In related news, the American Constitution Society of NESL will be hosting Sen. Pres. Travaglini on Wednesday, April 20 to speak to the NESL community. The event will be from 3:30-4:30, in the Cherry Room. I hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to hear from the senate president, to ask questions and to make your positions known on the issue of the proposed amendment, which Travaglini co-sponsored.