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This
debate started out small and for a time, it
was mostly confined to the courtroom. But that all changed
on February 4, 2004 when the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial
Court ruled that only full, equal marriage rights for gay
couples was constitutional. That decision opened the door
to thousands of same-sex marriages in Massachusetts. Despite
intense opposition, couples in California and New York followed
suit, throwing the debate full bore into the national arena...
and it's gotten ugly.
Everyone
from the President to the Pope has weighed in on same-sex
marriage. Public figures have been vilified for simply having
an opinion, regardless of the side they chose! Now it's your
turn to hear from two people who were, and still are, key
players in Massachusetts, a former six-term State Senator
and the Majority Leader for the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
| Editorial
Excerpts |
“Then there's Rogers's
nasty anti-gay-marriage proposal. Contrary to its boosters'
claims, the bill's purpose isn't to 'protect'
the institution of marriage. Rather, its sole objective
is to bar gay male and lesbian couples forever from
the benefits afforded by marriage. Otherwise, why specify
that a marriage can take place only between ‘one
man and one woman'?”
Editorial by “Boston's Alternative
Source,” Bostonphoenix.com
“Before
July 17, ... Jacques and others attempted
to defeat the 'Protection of Marriage' Amendment by
a series of crude and libelous attacks and dirty tricks.
When they realized they were failing and that more than
60% of the citizens were still solidly behind the Amendment,
they decided they had to break the law because if it
went to a vote of the people, they would surely lose.”
Editorial by Mass. Citizens for Marriage,
published by “A Conservative Voice,” MassNews.com |
 Cheryl
Jacques was a six-term Massachusetts State Senator
and President of the Human Rights Campaign. She was a leading
Senate advocate on civil rights, consumer protection, criminal
justice and victim's rights. In 2002, Jacques lead a
bi-partisan coalition of legislators to defeat the so-called
Defense of Marriage Act in Massachusetts.
 John
H. Rogers is the House Majority Leader for the Massachusetts
House of Representatives, where he is currently serving his
seventh term. Throughout his career, Rep. Rogers has been
recognized for his leadership and dedication in the areas
of the judiciary, education, environmental protection and
human services.
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