Gay marriage for out-of-staters in Massachusetts

Drew McKissick — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:13:43 -0400

The issue of gay marriage just got a boost, courtesy of the Massachusetts Senate yesterday.

BOSTON (AP) — Gay couples from across the country are one step closer to a Massachusetts wedding.

The state Senate voted Tuesday to repeal a 1913 law used to bar out-of-state gay couples from marrying in the state. The law prohibits couples from obtaining marriage licenses if they couldn't legally wed in their home states.

The House is expected to vote on the repeal later this week. Gov. Deval Patrick, whose 18-year-old daughter announced publicly last month that she is a lesbian, would have 10 days to sign it.

Just another step down the slippery slope. But I do think it increases the chances of this becoming a "real" issue in the presidential campaign. Remember, traditional marriage amendments on are on the ballot in both California and Florida this year. Now you've got Massachusetts about to open its doors to gay marriage tourism...sending newly married gays back to their home states to start filing lawsuits.

Culture & Society

Gay marriage for out-of-staters in Massachusetts